Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Assures Protection for Lottery Workers Amid GST Rate Jump

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, speaking at a press meet, said the Kerala government is taking steps to ensure that the recent GST hike on lottery tickets by the Central Government does not adversely affect workers and families dependent on the sector.

The Central Government recently increased GST on lottery tickets from 28% to 40%, a move the CM described as “sudden and impactful.” He said both he and the state Finance Minister had repeatedly requested the Centre and the GST Council not to raise the tax, but their appeals were ignored.

To protect the livelihoods of those dependent on lotteries, the state government has decided to maintain ticket prices at 50 rupees, even if it results in a revenue loss. This will result in a revenue shortfall of around 3.35 crore rupees for a single lottery draw. The government has absorbed the impact by reducing its own margins, agent commissions, and prize amounts while continuing to allocate 60% of sales revenue to prizes.

“The state is committed to ensuring that the GST revision does not negatively impact lottery workers or their families,” the Chief Minister said.

On the Sabarimala gold plate controversy, CM Vijayan said the investigation is ongoing, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the High Court closely involved. He added that a strict and thorough probe will be carried out, and subsequent actions will be taken once the investigation concludes. “There is no need to rush; the investigation will reveal who will walk with chains in their hands,” the Chief Minister said.