<h1>State meets lottery agents as 40% GST on paper lotteries threatens 200,000 livelihoods; mitigation measures considered</h1> A state finance minister met trade union leaders for lottery agents after the federal government reclassified state-run paper lotteries into the 40% GST slab applied to gambling and casinos. Union representatives warned the steep tax increase could reduce ticket sales, threaten the livelihoods of about 200,000 agents and sellers, and disrupt printing and distribution. The state government had requested an exemption and more implementation time from the Centre and the GST Council but was denied. With no relief, the state is now considering measures to mitigate the financial impact on sellers and agents.