Ladki Bahin Yojana: The State Election Commission has halted the Maharashtra government’s plan to release the January payment of the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme early, due to the Model Code of Conduct that is currently in effect for municipal elections. This clarification from the State Election Commission followed numerous complaints triggered by media reports suggesting that beneficiaries of the scheme would receive Rs 3,000, which includes both December and January payments, in their bank accounts before January 14 as a Makar Sankranti gift.
Why did the SEC decide to pause the payment release?
BJP leader and minister Geetanjali Mahajan had stated that eligible beneficiaries of the Ladki Behen Yojana would get a total of Rs 3,000 for December and January in their accounts before Makar Sankranti. After these media reports, the State Election Commission (SEC) sent a letter to state Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal on Sunday, asking for clarification on whether the government planned to issue the two months’ payments together right before the elections. They requested a response by Monday. The Chief Secretary replied that the SEC had provided consolidated instructions regarding the Model Code of Conduct for local body elections on November 4, 2025.
The SEC made it clear that regular or pending payments can be made under the “Chief Minister’s My Ladki Behen Scheme.” They also stated that no advance payments will be allowed during the code of conduct period. According to these guidelines, development projects and welfare schemes that were initiated before the election announcement can proceed during the code of conduct period.
What is this scheme ?
The Mukhyamantri Manjhi Ladki Behen Yojana is a flagship scheme of the state government, under which eligible female beneficiaries receive a monthly assistance of Rs 1,500. The scheme is credited with playing a key role in the Mahayuti’s victory in the 2024 state assembly elections. The opposition has described this announcement as an attempt to influence voters ahead of the 29 municipal corporation elections to be held on January 15.