Ladki Bahin Yojana: Fadnavis defers January payout after SEC order

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said his government will not release the January instalment under the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' for eligible women in advance in compliance with a directive from the State Election Commission (SEC).

Money will not be credited ahead of Makar Sankranti

Practice so far has been to give an advance instalment during major festivals to poorer women under the Ladki Bahin Yojana, but monthly stipend under the scheme (Rs 1,500) will now be credited in their accounts after January 16, the day when votes polled in 29 civic corporations are counted, he told reporters in Pune.

The SEC on Monday barred the government from releasing the January instalment under the scheme (Rs 1,500) in advance, citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the January 15 elections to 29 municipal corporations in the state.

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The SEC's clarification came after it received several complaints following media reports claiming that beneficiaries of the scheme would receive Rs 3,000 - covering the December and January instalments - in their bank accounts before January 14 as a Makar Sankranti gift.

Model code of conduct cited

Asked about the SEC decision on the dole, Fadnavis said "We are releasing regular instalments. Our practice has been to give an advance instalment during major festivals. Since the commission has directed not to release the advance instalment, it will not be released. We will do so after January 16."

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The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a flagship welfare scheme of the state government under which eligible women get a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500. The scheme is widely credited with helping the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secure a spectacular victory in the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls.

(With Agency inputs)