No more casino in Meghalaya: Sangma assured repeal of Gaming Act

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 13, 2022

Meghalaya Taxation Minister James Sangma on Thursday announced to repeal the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act 2021.

In a statement, Sangma said “last year, with the aim of boosting tourism, revenue generation and employment for the people of our state, the Department of Taxation, Government of Meghalaya, introduced the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, under my guidance.”

This Act would legalise and regulate gaming in Meghalaya , he said.

Till that extent, introducing casinos — meant for tourists only — was considered as well,he asserted.

Sangma said over the months that followed, there were concerns expressed from parts of the society with regards to the scope and impact of the Act.

The Taxation Minister said “I met with stakeholders that included religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, civil society representations, Dorbar Shnongs, autonomous and local governance bodies and youth organisations. During this process, I tried to understand the concerns of the public and the impact that the Act could have further on.”

Following such meetings and deliberations, it became clear to him that it is in the best interest of our state to completely scrap the Act, given that there could be untoward implications, Sangma said.

He assured that it is his earnest endeavour to see that the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, will be repealed.

He thanked everyone who came forward to aid, advise and provide feedback to the Government on the Act.

Sangma informed the citizenry are the keystone of any democracy and it only strengthens the commitment to better governance when the collective conscience is addressed.