India: MNS General Secretary Manoj Chavan Writes to State Govt to Implement Casinos Act

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) general secretary Manoj Chavan has addressed a letter to the state government requesting it to formulate a gaming policy for revenue generation and allowing gaming zones in the state.

In the letter, Chavan emphasised that allowing gaming zones will lead to revenue and employment generation in the state. He stated that the neighbouring state of Goa has six offshore and eight onshore casinos which give a boost to its tourism industry, ultimately leading to greater revenue generation.

Chavan gave the example of Sikkim stating that it has a five-star hotel casino while Maharashtra, despite being the most advanced state in the country, falls behind on this front due to its regressive mentality.

The MNS general secretary had pressed on this matter last year in November as well by saying that Maharashtra can also make good use of its coastal belt and set up casinos to make the state a tourist hotspot like Goa.

The Maharashtra Casinos (Control and Taxation) Act, 1976 that was passed on 19 July 1976 is not being implemented according to Chavan. Rules under the Act are yet to be framed and notified. He also asked about the status of the study group that was formed for visiting Goa, Macau, Nepal, Sikkim and report back their findings.

Chavan also stated that several welfare policies are facing fund shortages. As a result, the state government cannot afford to ignore the potential of casinos.

The MNS general secretary mentioned a study by American company “Global Market Advisors” which stated that setting up casinos in Maharashtra can generate around $1.1 billion in revenue and with 28% GST levied on the industry, the government can earn $308 million in tax revenue in addition to earning recurring and non-recurring revenues through license fees from casino operators.

By setting up tourism, entertainment, hospitality-related services the state can create massive employment which can put Maharashtra on the global tourism map.