SAFF decry govt’s decision to implement Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 7, 2022

The Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) in its meeting held recently has decried the recent announcement of the state government to legalize gambling in the state of Meghalaya.

In consonance with many others who have voiced their opposition to this venture, SAFF said that it feels that the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Rules 2021, empowered by subsection (1) Section 29 of the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, would pave the way for the creation of gambling establishments with the opening of casinos, gambling dens and parlours at different locations in the State.

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“These would in turn promote other nefarious activities and the increase of criminality in these places. Moreover, the good name of the State will be tarnished and there is the danger that its citizens will lose the respect that has been the bedrock of our existence as local communities here,” it said.

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While recognizing the fact that to promote development in the State, there is a need to increase revenue generation, the SAFF however said the government could explore various alternative viable options other than gambling while at the same time make sincere attempts to plug massive revenue leakage.