Kerala State Lotteries: A Golden Chapter in India's Social Welfare Journey

For the first time in India, a dedicated department for conducting lotteries was established in 1967, and it was none other than Kerala—God’s Own Country—that led this historic initiative. This visionary step became a golden feather in Kerala’s illustrious cap of social innovations.

The foundation of the Kerala State Lottery Department can be traced back to the far-sighted thinking of Shri P.K. Kunju Muhammed Saheb, who recognized the potential of lotteries as a means to generate steady income for economically weaker sections of society. His aim was simple yet profound—through lottery kachadavadam, the government could not only create livelihood opportunities but also fund various public welfare schemes.

The department officially began operations on September 1, 1967, with Shri P.K. Saithu Muhammed as its founding director. Just a few months later, on January 26, 1968, Kerala conducted its first-ever lottery draw, offering a first prize of ₹50,000 at a ticket price of just ₹1—a revolutionary idea at that time.

What started as a bold experiment quickly turned into a model for the entire nation. While several states followed Kerala’s lead and ventured into the lottery space, Kerala’s lottery department continues to stand tall, thanks to its transparent operations, trustworthy management, and agent-friendly welfare measures.

Even decades later, Kerala State Lotteries remain a symbol of trust, social responsibility, and public participation, embodying the spirit of using innovation for the greater good.