The Centre says it is considering a scheme to compensate the seven sisters who together stand to lose an estimated Rs 50 crore per annum. The Kerala government, which gets 20 per cent of its non-tax revenue from lotteries, has already lodged a protest that 250,000 jobs in the state are at stake. Others are sure to follow suit. Yet, even if these snags are successfully tided over and the relevant laws enacted, it would be extremely ironical if underground lottery operators are allowed to move into the space vacated. In that event, not only will precious revenue be gifted to wily dealers, but the social evil will also be exacerbated as even the pretense of regulation will stand shattered.
Bans are all very well,but they have to be effectively put into force.
A person addicted to trying his luck seeks every avenue available. Crores reportedly change hands everyday on bets ranging from the date of the advent of the monsoon to the margin by which an MLA will win his seat. And with the World Cup around the corner, it is now boom time for the bookies. So, as the government states its resolve to enforce public morality, it must work out a multi-pronged approach to deal with these rackets. Otherwise, ending one evil will merely give succour to more pernicious ones.