NEW DELHI: The Maharashtra State Election Commission on Monday barred the Mahayuti government from providing scholarship under the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme for the month of January. The move was made with a view to enforcing the model code of conduct for local elections.The SEC issued the clarification after receiving several complaints triggered by media reports alleging that beneficiaries were credited with Rs 3,000 – for December and January installments – in their bank accounts before January 14 Makar Sankranti Gift.
BJP chief and minister Girish Mahajan had earlier said that eligible beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin scheme would get a total payment of Rs 3,000 for December and January credited in their bank accounts ahead of Makar Sankranti.The opposition termed the announcement as an attempt to influence voters ahead of elections to 29 local bodies on January 15.“These selfish brothers have no emotions. They suspended the installment for two months and paid the amount during the election campaign.The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is one of the state government’s flagship welfare schemes and provides a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women. The program is widely seen as a key factor in the Mahayuti Alliance’s victory in the 2024 state elections.
