Maharashtra Election Commission Halts Advance Payments for Ladki Bahin Scheme Ahead of Civic Elections

Election Commission's Directive on Ladki Bahin Scheme

On Monday, the Maharashtra State Election Commission instructed the state government to avoid disbursing advance payments under the Ladki Bahin scheme for January, citing the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in light of the upcoming civic elections.

Complaints had been lodged with the commission regarding reports suggesting that beneficiaries would receive Rs 3,000, covering both December and January payments, in their accounts before January 14 as a festive gift for Makar Sankranti.

This scheme offers a monthly payment of Rs 1,500 to women aged between 21 and 65 whose families earn less than Rs 2.5 lakh annually.

On Saturday, the Congress party in Maharashtra raised concerns with the State Election Commission regarding a social media announcement made by Bharatiya Janata Party leader and state minister Girish Mahajan, which indicated the disbursal of funds under the Ladki Bahin scheme prior to the festival.

Makar Sankranti is scheduled for Wednesday, just a day before voting for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including Mumbai.

On Sunday, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal accused Mahajan of attempting to sway women voters with his announcement regarding the release of funds for December and January, claiming it violated the Model Code of Conduct.

In response to the complaints, the State Election Commission reached out to Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal on Sunday, requesting clarification on the allegations and a prompt response.

After receiving a reply from Agarwal, the commission stated that it had previously issued consolidated orders on November 4 regarding the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the elections.

The chief secretary noted that ongoing development projects and schemes initiated before the election announcement could continue during the code of conduct period, as per the November 4 directive.

“Given this context, the regular benefits of this scheme can be provided,” the State Election Commission stated. “However, benefits cannot be disbursed in advance, and new beneficiaries cannot be selected.”

On Monday, the state Congress criticized the ruling Mahayuti government, labeling its leaders as “selfish brothers” who expect votes as a “return gift” from scheme beneficiaries.

Party spokesperson Sachin Sawant remarked, “These selfish brothers lack empathy. They halted payments for two months and then distributed funds during the election campaign, expecting something in return. The sisters should show these selfish brothers their rightful place as they anticipate votes as a return gift.”

He emphasized that the funding for the scheme comes from taxpayers and is not the personal property of those in power.