Mumbai: With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force ahead of the upcoming municipal corporation elections, the State Election Commission (SEC) has clarified that regular or pending benefits under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme may be disbursed, but the state government is barred from releasing any installment in advance.
Complaints prompt SEC action
The clarification came after several complaints were received by the SEC following media reports claiming that women beneficiaries would receive a combined payment of Rs 3,000 for December and January ahead of Makar Sankranti. Acting on these reports, the SEC sought a detailed explanation from the Chief Secretary of the state regarding the government’s decision related to the scheme.
MCC rules cited
In its response, the Chief Secretary informed the Commission that the SEC had issued consolidated orders on November 4, 2025, regarding the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct for local body elections. As per these guidelines, development works and welfare schemes that had already commenced before the announcement of elections are permitted to continue during the MCC period.
Taking this background into account, the SEC ruled that while regular or pending installments of the Ladki Bahin scheme can be released, advance payment of benefits is not allowed. The Commission also directed that no new beneficiaries should be added during the MCC period.
SEC officials stated that after reviewing news reports and receiving complaints, the Commission sought a report from the Chief Secretary. “After receiving the report, we directed the state government that advance installments cannot be released during the period of the Model Code of Conduct,” an official said.
Congress writes to SEC
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Saturday wrote to the State Election Commission, urging it to direct the government to release the December 2025 and January installments of the scheme only after the municipal corporation elections are concluded. The Congress argued that releasing the funds during the election period could influence over one crore women beneficiaries.
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Responding sharply, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday accused the Congress of being “anti-women.” He asserted that the Ladki Bahin scheme, launched in 2024, does not violate the Model Code of Conduct, which is in effect for the January 15 municipal corporation elections.
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Bawankule further claimed that the Congress had opposed the scheme earlier as well, recalling that a close aide of MPCC president Nana Patole had approached the High Court when the scheme was launched, while another party leader had stated that the initiative would be discontinued if the Congress came to power.
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