Kerala Lok Ayukta seeks live digital data platform for state lotteries

The Kerala Lok Ayukta has directed the state government to establish a centralised digital platform providing the public with continuously updated information about Kerala Lotteries. The proposed platform would give real-time access to winning ticket numbers, the distribution of tickets across districts and sub-offices, and aggregate sales and prize-disbursement figures. The recommendations were made by a Division Bench comprising Lok Ayukta N.

Anilkumar and Upa Lok Ayukta Ashok Menon. The panel also suggested creating a framework for continuous statistical monitoring of lottery outcomes. The Department of Economics and Statistics proposed both measures after conducting a statistical audit of the lottery system.

The audit followed a petition alleging that prizes, particularly those determined by the last four digits, were concentrated in particular ticket series among the 12 series in which tickets are printed. The petitioner claimed that the series were repeatedly allotted to a small number of favoured agents and raised the possibility of manipulation. The auditors, however, found no manipulation or non-randomness in the draw mechanism.

Their report said the distribution of winning numbers was consistent with randomness and showed no significant clustering. The audit also found no material indication of systematic irregularities in the conduct of draws or the distribution of prizes. The Lok Ayukta accepted those findings while supporting measures to improve public access to operational information.

The state government has been asked to submit a compliance report within three months on developing the statistical-monitoring framework and establishing the digital platform.