THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Lotteries Department which set an ambitious target of Rs 6375 crore sales turnover for the 2015-16 fiscal is faced with an unexpected crisis.
Various trade unions led by CITU has asked the government to declare six holidays for lotteries, besides the existing three.
‘’The holidays are proposed on May 1, Thiruvonam, Christmas, Good Friday and Nadidinam,’’ said Kerala BhagyakkuriSamrakshana Samithi convener M V Jayarajan.
The existing holidays are on Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.
Jayarajan said the proposal followed the demand of agents and sellers. Meanwhile, some agents’ organisations like the Kerala Lottery Agents Association has protested the move.
’As agents are free to take leave on any day, the move to deny revenue for all on six days is unjustifiable. If they are adamant, we suggest to allow the sales and conduct the draw next day,’’ KLAA president Purushothama Barathi said.
The sale of a weekly lottery would fetch at least Rs 16 crore to the government exchequer.
Lotteries Department director Jayaraj said it was up to the government to take a decision in this regard.