Finance Minister handovers keys to homes built for lottery agents and sellers

Revenue generated through lottery sales is being effectively channelled back into public welfare and community-driven projects across the State, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has said here on Saturday. He was speaking at the State-level distribution of keys for free houses built for members of the Kerala State Lottery Agents and Sellers Welfare Fund Board. Speaking at the CSI Convention Centre in Kollam, the Minister said that the housing initiative is part of a larger project to construct 160 homes for eligible members. “This was made possible by utilising ₹9.47 crore collected through the sale of the 2021 Vishu Bumper lottery,” he said. During the ceremony, the Minister handed over keys to eight beneficiaries, marking the commencement of the State-wide rollout.

Addressing the challenges within the sector, Mr. Balagopal observed that nearly one lakh people currently depend on the lottery industry for their livelihood. He added that the government is planning a special scheme to reduce the burden of additional taxes on lottery sales. Furthermore, he pointed out the importance of a well-organised lottery system in countering the rising influence of illegal online gambling.

Talking about the support provided by the Welfare Fund, he said the current benefits include ₹5,000 for medical assistance, ₹50,000 for members battling serious illnesses, and a marriage grant of ₹25,000 for the daughters of fund members. Additionally, the fund provides immediate funeral assistance, educational support for children, and beach umbrellas to serve as mobile workstations for vendors who do not own permanent shops. The event was presided over by M. Noushad, MLA, while Welfare Fund Board chairperson T.B. Subair and Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Chairperson S. Jayamohan were also present.