Kerala Lok Ayukta suggests measures to improve transparency in the functioning of State Lotteries

The Kerala Lok Ayukta has directed the State government to set up a centralised, continuously updated digital platform to give the general public real-time access to key operational data, including the prize-winning numbers of lottery tickets sold by the Kerala Lotteries. The distribution of tickets across districts and sub-offices, and aggregate sales and prize disbursement statistics, shall also be provided on the platform, which will enhance transparency in the functioning of the Kerala Lotteries, according to the Division Bench of the panel, comprising Lok Ayukta N. Anilkumar and Upa Lok Ayukta Ashok Menon.

The panel has also suggested the development of a framework for the continuous statistical monitoring of lottery outcomes. The suggestions for setting up the framework and digital platform were made by the Department of Economics and Statistics, which conducted a statistical audit on the functioning of the Kerala Lotteries to strengthen transparency, accountability and sustained public confidence in the system.

Indicates possible manipulation

The suggestions were made in a petition that the prizes of the Kerala State Lotteries, especially those determined by the last four digits, were concentrated in particular ticket series among the twelve series in which the tickets are printed. The petitioner had complained that these series were repeatedly allotted to a few favoured agents, and the pattern appears to persist across the State. He apprehended that it indicated a possible manipulation in the sale of lottery tickets.

However, auditors did not find any manipulation or non-randomness in the draw mechanism, and the overall distribution of winning numbers was found consistent with the principles of randomness. It was also concluded that the Kerala State Lottery system operated consistently with statistical randomness and the winning numbers showed no significant clustering. There was no material indication of any systematic irregularities in the conduct of the draws or the distribution of prizes, it was concluded.

The Lok Ayukta, which accepted the audit report, asked the State government to file a compliance report in three months on the suggestions of developing a framework and setting up the digital platform.