More jobs or another vice? Gambling plan has Meghalaya divided
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The Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 was passed by the Cabinet in December 2021. The opposition to gambling goes back to the government's decision to legalise gambling and allow casinos near the Assam-Meghlaya border. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said there is a need to regulate because there are certain forms of taxes and revenue that the state can earn.
Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) opposes the government's decision to legalise gambling. They met with the chief minister on May 6, 2021 to express their concerns. The forum is concerned about the general public's respect for Christian leaders. The Forum has gone through the Act thoroughly and it's detrimental to society. Bishop Purely Lyngdoh said the forum has not discussed Teer/ archery. Meghalaya Regulation of the Game of Arrow Shooting and the Sale of Teers Tickets Act, 2018.
The government wants to legalise gambling to boost revenue and attract more tourists. The forum leaders and locals are divided on the issue. The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) also opposed the government’s decision. They want the govt to look for other ways of boosting the revenue. It also wants the Government to reduce the unnecessary spending on various festivals. There are also calls to stop paying allowances to politicians. This is because they are appointed as board members. In the past, the Hysnewt rep Youth council has also called for cutting the allowance for politicians who are elected to the board.
