Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, July 31
Himachal Pradesh is set to reopen its long-discontinued state lottery and buy a ₹92 lakh Mercedes-Benz for the Governor, as the state battles a deepening financial crisis. These were among several key decisions taken during a four-day Cabinet marathon that concluded ahead of the monsoon session of the state assembly, which begins on August 18. The state government hopes to generate between ₹50 crore and ₹100 crore annually by relaunching the lottery system, which was shut down two decades ago. The scheme, modelled on similar systems in Punjab and Kerala, will be run through a tender process, according to industries minister Harshwardhan Chauhan.
“This is a strategic move to boost revenue without raising taxes,” Chauhan said, while also announcing the purchase of a luxury car for the Governor. The current vehicle, he said, was over five years old and in need of replacement. As part of reforms to state-run bus travel, individuals eligible for free or subsidised journeys will now have to purchase a ₹200 “HIM Bus Card” to avail themselves of such benefits. The card is now mandatory across all categories.
In another regulatory push, the Cabinet has made registration mandatory for all privately owned vehicles plying in the state. Over 2,700 vehicles are reportedly operating without proper documentation. Owners will be given a three-month window to register, after which their vehicles may be impounded and scrapped.
The government also approved reservation for OBCs in upcoming urban local body elections—acknowledging their 25% share in the state population—and cleared the recruitment of 290 ASHA workers to strengthen rural health services.
