The Hindu : Kerala News : Lift ban on lotteries: Joseph

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jan 30, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

Lift ban on lotteries: Joseph

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, JAN. 29. The Kerala Congress(J) leader P.J. Joseph has urged the Government to lift the ban on the Kerala State Lotteries.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Mr. Joseph said the Government, by banning the State-run lotteries, was shirking its responsibility to take legal action against on-line lotteries and fake lotteries. The Government should conduct a study on how the Karnataka Government has managed to gain upper hand for the State Lottery by imposing special taxes.

The Kerala Congress(J) will hold dharna in all district headquarters on January 31 demanding the withdrawal of the ban, he said.

Amendments opposed

Mr. Joseph demanded that the Union Government withdraw the proposed amendments to the Seeds Act and the Patents Act which would affect the interests of farmers already reeling under a crisis triggered by the crash of markets and debt burdens. The new Acts will only help to keep the agriculture sector of the country under the total control of multinational corporations.

The party will organise seminars at different centres in the State on the comprehensive development of the State. Focus will be given on the development projects of Kochi, which will help the overall progress of the State. A seminar to be held in Kochi in the last week of February will focus on the proposed transhipment terminal at Vallarpadam, the LNG project and the road and railway projects for the city.

The Kerala Congress(J) leaders Monse Joseph, Jose Vallamattam and George Edapparanji were present.

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