Concerns are growing among thousands of women in Pune and across Maharashtra as the crucial November installment under the state government's flagship Ladki Bahin scheme has failed to reach their bank accounts. The delay has caused significant anxiety, with beneficiaries making daily trips to banks to check for the ₹1,500 credit essential for managing household expenses.
State Election Commission Clarifies Stance
Amid mounting confusion, the State Election Commission (SEC) stepped forward with a clarification on Friday. A senior SEC official stated that the model code of conduct (MCC), currently in force for local body elections, should not disrupt any ongoing government schemes. The official confirmed to TOI that the commission had received no queries from the Women and Child Development (WCD) department regarding the Ladki Bahin scheme and had issued no orders to stop its disbursement. "Any ongoing scheme should proceed as planned," the official emphasized.
Beneficiaries Left in the Dark
Despite the SEC's clarification, the state government has offered no formal explanation for the payment delay, leaving beneficiaries to speculate. Many women have expressed their frustration and uncertainty on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), tagging the concerned minister and local representatives to demand answers. "We are told nothing, and we aren't sure if the money is coming at all," one beneficiary said.
The situation on the ground is tense. Maya W, a beneficiary from Pune, described her ordeal: "For the last 15 days, I have been visiting the bank and checking my account every day, but the November installment still hasn't arrived." For numerous low-income families, this monthly financial assistance is vital for covering basic needs, making the disruption particularly painful.
Administrative Hurdles and Extended Wait
The delay is surprising as WCD officials had previously assured that payments would follow the usual schedule. However, as of December 19, the funds were absent from accounts in several districts. A district-level official, speaking anonymously, suggested the holdup might be administrative. He indicated that the department is currently prioritizing the completion of e-KYC formalities, which have a deadline of December 31.
This official added a worrying note, stating, "We have been told that disbursements may only resume after the local polls." With elections for municipal councils, municipal corporations, and Zilla Parishads expected to conclude by January 31, beneficiaries now face the prospect of waiting well into the new year.
There is still no official clarity on whether the pending November amount will be disbursed along with the December payout, a hope many beneficiaries are clinging to. Attempts by TOI to seek clarification from WCD Minister Aditi Tatkare and other senior officials went unanswered until late Friday evening, deepening the communication vacuum around the issue.
