Latest news with #Solan
News18
05-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
Lottery System: How Much Do Kerala And Punjab Earn? Which Model Will Himachal Adopt?
Last Updated: The Himachal Pradesh government plans to restart its state-run lottery digitally, nearly three decades after its ban, sparking debate over its social impact The Himachal Pradesh government has cleared the way for restarting the state-run lottery system, nearly three decades after it was banned. In a decision taken by the Cabinet on July 31, the state announced its intention to bring back lotteries in a digital format, modelled on existing frameworks in states like Punjab. However, the move has sparked sharp political opposition and ignited fresh debate over the social and ethical implications of such a system. The original lottery system in Himachal was first suspended in 1996 following a High Court order triggered by a letter from then Solan MLA Rakesh Pant. It was permanently scrapped in 1999 during the tenure of then Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. Now, under the Congress-led government, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's cabinet has opted to reintroduce the system, but this time, through an online platform. Officials suggest that the state could adopt a model similar to Punjab, where the lottery is state-regulated, legally sanctioned, and contributes significantly to the exchequer. In Punjab, bumper lotteries are organised during major festivals like Diwali, Holi, New Year, Lohri, and Baisakhi, alongside regular weekly and monthly draws. Ticket prices range from Rs 20 to Rs 500, and draws are conducted under official supervision. The legal framework for such lotteries in India is provided by the Lotteries (Regulation) Act of 1998, later amended in 2010. While the Act is central legislation, lotteries are treated as a state subject, giving individual states the autonomy to permit or ban them. States like Kerala, Sikkim, Maharashtra, and Punjab have retained legal lottery operations. In 2024-25, Kerala reportedly earned over Rs 13,500 crore through its lottery department, while Sikkim's lottery revenue was around Rs 30 crore. Punjab, for its part, recorded Rs 235 crore in earnings in the last financial year. Penalties for Illegal Lotteries Despite the legitimacy of state-run lotteries in some parts of the country, operating unauthorised or fake lotteries remains a serious offence. In Punjab, those found running illegal platforms, including digital or unlicensed draws, can face jail terms ranging from six months to two years and fines between Rs 10,000 and Rs 1 lakh. Political Backlash in Himachal The reintroduction of the lottery system has provoked criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal reiterated that the system was deliberately abolished during his tenure to curb exploitative practices. BJP leaders have raised concerns about the potential social impact, especially in a hill state with limited economic mobility. However, CM Sukhu's media adviser, Naresh Chauhan, dismissed the opposition's stance as 'hypocritical", saying that many BJP-ruled states operate government lotteries but some party leaders have criticised the move in Himachal. He also claimed that the BJP receives sizable donations from states where the lottery is active and accused the party of selective outrage. What Happens Next? The state government has not yet revealed the launch date for the digital lottery system or the detailed operational guidelines. But it has indicated that the system will be implemented under strict legal oversight to ensure transparency and prevent abuse. view comments Location : Shimla, India, India First Published: News india Lottery System: How Much Do Kerala And Punjab Earn? Which Model Will Himachal Adopt? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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Business Standard
09-06-2025
- General
- Business Standard
AP NMMS results 2025 out at bse.ap.gov.in; here's how to check scorecard
AP NMMS results 2025 have been released today. Students who appeared for the exam can access the scorecards by visiting the official website, The Andhra Pradesh National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (AP NMMS) 2025 results have been officially released today, June 9, by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Solan. Students who appeared for the exam can check and download their results through the official website, The board conducted the NMMS exam on December 8, 2024. How to download the AP NMMS results 2025? Here are the simple steps to check and download the AP NMMS results 2025; Visit the official website: On the home page, check for the 'NMMS' section and then select 'Result of NMMS 2025.' The result PDF will open on the screen. Search for your name or roll number in the list. Download and print the result for future reference. AP NMMS results 2025: Selection criteria Students must clear the state-specific NMMS exam by securing at least 40 per cent combined marks in the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The minimum qualifying marks for SC and ST students are 32 per cent. NMMS AP merit list: Details mentioned in the pdf The merit list, available as a PDF, includes the following details: Student's Name Roll Number School Information Total Marks Scholarship Eligibility Status AP NMMS results 2025: Next steps Further guidelines on scholarship disbursement will be issued by the authorities. In case of any issues with the result, students should reach out to their schools or contact the Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (BSEAP) for clarification. About the NMMS Scheme Launched in 2008 under the Central Sector Scheme with CCEA approval, the NMMS aims to provide financial aid to academically bright students from economically weaker backgrounds. The goal is to prevent dropouts after Class 8 and encourage continued education at the secondary level. Each year, one lakh scholarships are awarded to meritorious Class 9 students. These scholarships are renewable for Classes 10 to 12 and are applicable in local body, government-aided, and state government schools. Since April 1, 2017, the scholarship amount has been increased to ₹12,000 per year from the earlier ₹6,000.
News18
09-06-2025
- General
- News18
AP NMMS Result 2025 Released: How To Download, Check Direct Link Here
Last Updated: AP NMMS Result 2025 Out: Students who appeared for the exam access the scorecards by visiting the official website, The Andhra Pradesh National Means Cum Merit Scholarship (AP NMMS) 2025 results have been announced today, June 9, by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Solan. Students who appeared for the exam access the scorecards by visiting the official website, The AP NMMS test was administered on December 8, 2024. Each year, one lakh new scholarships are granted to selected ninth-grade students. These scholarships can be renewed through classes 10 and 12, enabling students to continue their education at local body, government-aided, and state government institutions. The NMMS scholarship amount was increased to Rs 12,000 per year starting April 1, 2017, from the previous amount of Rs 6,000 per year. AP NMMS Result 2025: How To Download? Step 1: Go to the official BSE website at Step 2: From the homepage, navigate to NMMS and then the 'Result of NMMS 2025" link. Step 3: After that, the AP NMMS result PDF 2025 will appear on the screen. Selecting applicants for the NMMS requires passing a state or union territory-specific examination. Eligible students must achieve a combined score of at least 40 percent on both the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). However, for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, the passing grade is 32 percent. The NMMS, which is part of the Central Sector Scheme, began with CCEA approval in 2008. Its primary goal is to provide scholarships to outstanding children from economically disadvantaged households in order to prevent them from dropping out of school after eighth grade and to motivate them to continue their academic path into secondary education. First Published:
Hindustan Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
VP Dhankhar urges rural youth to become agri-entrepreneurs
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, while interacting with the students at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, on Saturday stressed on use of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture. He remarked, 'Nowadays, when we talk about Artificial Intelligence, the younger generation is indeed fortunate because they can journey from Agriculture Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence.' He further added, 'You can travel from Agriculture Intelligence (AI) to Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence, Agriculture Intelligence is the medium that will bring revolutionary changes in the rural system. The life of the farmer will change.' Speaking on the roadmap to a developed India at the university, the Vice-President stated, 'The path to a developed India goes only one way — through the farmer's field. And that will happen only when you hold the farmer's hand.' He described farmers not only as annadata (providers of food) but also as bhagya vidhata — shapers of our destiny. Expressing concern over the export-oriented mindset, Dhankhar said, 'I find it very troubling when people say — 'this is export material, this is for export'. Why? Shouldn't we eat the best, wear the best?' He proudly pointed out how Indians are now leading major global institutions and lauded the rising participation of women in leadership roles. On the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, the Vice-President urged the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to revise the current ₹6,000 payout in line with inflation. He said, 'If support is given directly to the farmer… If the indirect financial support being given to the agriculture sector is routed directly to farmer families, then, based on my assessment, and that assessment comes after study — where they now get ₹6,000 annually, they will end up receiving ₹30,000 a year.' Highlighting the benefits of direct subsidies, he said, 'If the fertilizer subsidy is given directly to farmers, the farmer will decide — do I want to buy that fertilizer, or raise livestock and use cow dung manure instead? The farmer will think — should I do organic farming, natural farming? The farmer will make that decision himself.' Emphasizing rural entrepreneurship, the Vice-President said, 'Boys and girls from the farming community in rural areas must be trained to become entrepreneurs, agri-entrepreneurs. A force must be raised.' Citing the example of the United States, he noted that the average income of farming families there is higher than that of average households because government support goes directly to farmers. Underscoring the need for value addition, Dhankhar remarked, 'Today we must pay attention to the rural system. Vegetables come to the village from cities, fruits come from cities — how can we tolerate this in our country? That when tomatoes are in surplus, they are dumped on the streets?' He called for value addition and food processing to be done at the farmland level. The vice President also planted a sapling in memory of his mother Kesari Devi and also visited the exhibition on the campus by various farmer producers organizations and start ups. 'Success of Op Sindoor has given different identity to country' 'Success of Operation Sindoor has given a different identity to the country', said the Vice-President at Dr YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University Nauni in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday. Talking about the valour of the Armed forces of the country, Dhankhar said, 'This is the first occasion when no one is asking for proof of this'.
