Nagpur: With the Assembly elections scheduled in Maharashtra for November 20, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect across the State. The Election Commission has instructed the Maharashtra Government to halt schemes that could directly influence voters during this period.
Accordingly, the Women’s and Child Welfare Department has temporarily suspended the Ladki Bahin Yojana. As a result, eligible women will not receive funds under this scheme until the elections are over.
The State Government had already disbursed the combined payments for October and November under the scheme. Now, beneficiaries will have to wait for the December instalment.
The Central Election Commission has also reviewed schemes providing financial benefits. Chief Election Officer S Chokkalingam sought information from all departments regarding such schemes. It was revealed that the Women’s and Child Welfare Department has been providing substantial financial benefits under the Ladki Bahin Yojana. Consequently, the department has been asked to submit details about the scheme. The Commission was informed that the disbursement of funds for this scheme had already been stopped four days ago.
Meanwhile, under the Mahayuti Government’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, funds have been deposited into the accounts of over 2.26 crore women. Women aged 21 to 65 with an annual income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh are provided Rs 1,500 per month by the Maharashtra Government. The “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana” has been implemented since July. So far, five instalments have been deposited into the accounts of eligible women.