Maharashtra election panel bars advance Ladki Bahin scheme payout, cites poll code

The Maharashtra State Election Commission on Monday directed the state government to refrain from disbursing funds under the Ladki Bahin scheme in advance for January, citing the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming civic elections, PTI reported.

The State Election Commission had received several complaints about media reports alleging 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 gift for the festival of Makar Sankranti.

The scheme provides a monthly transfer of Rs 1,500 to women aged 21 to 65 whose families earn less than Rs 2.5 lakh a year.