Kathmandu: The Nepal Maoists, who have proudly assumed the role of the moral policeman, are set to do a U-turn by advocating Nepalese be allowed into casinos, so far only open to foreign nationals.

The CPN-Maoist, who advocated "peoples action" against those found gambling in the countryside during the decade-long insurgence, have now changed track to allow Nepalese into casinos, which are the exclusive "hot spots" for the rich and the famous of the Indian subcontinent.

The Maoists, who leads the post-royal government in Nepal after emerging as the largest party in the April 10 Constituent Assembly elections, are on track to legalise casino gambling for Nepalese. Hisila Yami, Nepal's Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, said Maoist-led coalition is preparing to introduce a new policy, which would allow the entry of "elite" Nepalese into the casinos operating in the country.

"The government is preparing to introduce a new policy which allows the entry of elite Nepalese into casinos," Yami was quoted as saying by the Kantipur online today. The ongoing global economic downturn has hit the gambling industry hard in the country. The Maoists-led government, which is struggling to boost its economy by strengthening its tourism industry, is apparently on track to widen the net of the casinos that is a major source of earning for impoverished Himalayan nation. According to the report, a government taskforce formed earlier to streamline the management of the casinos in the country, suggested that Nepalese be allowed into casinos, so far only open to foreign nationals.

Source : PTI