The SEC had barred advance disbursal of the January instalment, citing compliance with the model code of conduct for the upcoming civic polls on January 15, 2026
CM Fadnavis said that the govt will not release the Jan instalment under Ladki Bahin Yojana. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the government will not release the January instalment under the Ladki Bahin Yojana in advance for eligible women, following a directive from the State Election Commission (SEC), reported the PTI.
Previously, the government had a practice of providing advance instalments during major festivals to women beneficiaries.
However, the monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 will now be credited only after January 16, the day votes from 29 municipal corporation elections are counted.
SEC enforces Model Code of Conduct
The SEC had barred advance disbursal of the January instalment, citing compliance with the model code of conduct for the upcoming civic polls on January 15, 2026.
The clarification followed complaints over media reports suggesting that beneficiaries would receive Rs 3,000, covering December and January payments, before Makar Sankranti as a festival gift, according to the PTI.
Fadnavis told reporters in Pune, “We are releasing regular instalments. Since the commission has directed not to release advance payments, they will be credited after January 16.”
SEC seeks report on claim of Ladki Bahin aid disbursal
Meanwhile, the SEC has sought a report from the chief secretary on a minister's claims that the Ladki Bahin Yojana financial aid would be disbursed to beneficiaries before Makar Sankranti, amid allegations of violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
The move followed complaints by Opposition parties, which alleged that the timing of the proposed disbursal amounted to an inducement to women voters ahead of elections to 29 municipal corporations scheduled on January 15.
The State Election Commission (SEC) has asked Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal to submit a report on Monday, sources told PTI.
Congress' complaint
Maharashtra Congress leader and advocate Sandesh Kondvilkar submitted a complaint to the SEC on Saturday, claiming the payment was proposed for January 14, a day before polling, and sought its intervention to stop the transfer.
Maharashtra government's flagship scheme
The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a flagship welfare scheme of the Maharashtra government providing monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women.
The programme is widely credited with helping the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secure a decisive victory in the Maharashtra Assembly polls 2024.
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(with PTI inputs)
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