Mumbai: Ahead of municipal elections in Maharashtra, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday barred the transfer of funds under the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The Congress had written to the poll panel seeking a ban on funds distribution once the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into effect. Transferring money before polling could influence voters, Congress argued.
With polling set to take place for 29 municipal corporations, the code of conduct is already in force in the state.
There were multiple complaints over reports claiming, ‘Big Makar Sankranti gift for Ladki Bahins! Rs 3,000 for December and January will be credited before January 14.’
The EC had sought a clarification from Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary on the government’s decision related to the scheme.
The Chief Secretary said the State Election Commission had issued consolidated orders on November 4, 2025, regarding the Model Code of Conduct for local body elections. As per these orders, development projects and schemes launched before the election announcement are allowed to continue during the Code period.
However, the EC has now made it clear that only the scheme’s regular or pending instalments can be disbursed, but the January instalment cannot be paid in advance, and no new beneficiaries can be added during this period.
Under the Maharashtra government’s flagship ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’, eligible women beneficiaries get a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500. The scheme played a big role in helping the Mahayuti alliance win the 2024 Assembly elections.
