Maharashtra Government Postpones Ladki Bahin Yojana January Payment
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a significant change in the disbursement schedule for the Ladki Bahin Yojana. The Maharashtra government will not release the January installment of this welfare scheme ahead of schedule. This decision follows clear directions from the State Election Commission.
Election Commission Directive Forces Schedule Change
The State Election Commission issued specific instructions on Monday. They directed the government not to release the January installment of ₹1,500 in advance. This directive comes because the model code of conduct is currently in effect. The code applies to elections scheduled for January 15 across 29 municipal corporations throughout Maharashtra.
Fadnavis explained the government's position clearly. "We are releasing regular installments," he stated. "Our practice has been to give an advance installment during major festivals. Since the commission has directed not to release the advance installment, it will not be released. We will do so after January 16."
Clarification After Media Reports Spark Confusion
The State Election Commission felt compelled to issue this clarification. They received multiple complaints from various sources. These complaints were triggered by media reports circulating earlier. Those reports suggested beneficiaries would receive ₹3,000 before January 14. This amount would cover both December and January installments as a Makar Sankranti benefit.
The controversy began when Gitish Mahajan made a specific claim. He stated eligible beneficiaries would get a combined payment of ₹3,000 for December and January. He described this payment as a "special gift" from Chief Minister Fadnavis. The payment was supposedly scheduled just before Makar Sankranti on January 14.
Political Opposition Reacts Strongly
The Opposition criticized this announcement immediately. They called it a transparent attempt to influence voters. The timing was particularly suspicious with elections to 29 municipal corporations scheduled for January 15.
State Congress leader Sandesh Kondvilkar took formal action. He filed a complaint with the State Election Commission on Saturday. In his complaint, he highlighted the problematic timing. The payment was scheduled for January 14, just one day before polling. He urged the election panel to intervene and halt the transfer immediately.
Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant expressed strong disapproval. "These selfish brothers have no emotion," he said. "They stopped the installment for two months and disbursed the amount during the election campaign. They seek something in return. The sisters should show these selfish brothers their place as they expect a return gift in the form of votes."
Understanding the Ladki Bahin Yojana Scheme
The Ladki Bahin Yojana represents a key welfare initiative of the Maharashtra government. This scheme provides eligible women with monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500. Political analysts widely recognize this program's significance. Many believe it played a major role in the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance's decisive victory during the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The government typically follows a specific practice for this scheme. They provide advance payments during major festivals to support economically weaker women. However, this January will see a departure from that practice. The monthly assistance will only be deposited after January 16 this time. This date conveniently coincides with the counting of votes for the ongoing municipal corporation elections.
