Maharashtra: Election Commission bans depositing money into the accounts of female daughters; major decision

News Topical, Digital Desk : The Election Commission has banned depositing money into the accounts of Ladki Behin Yojana (Ladki Behin Yojana) a day before the voting for the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections. Due to the Model Code of Conduct being in force in the state in the backdrop of the 29 municipal corporation elections in the state, regular or pending benefits of the 'Ladki Behin Yojana' can be given, but the State Election Commission has banned giving the benefits for the month of January in advance. Municipal corporation elections are to be held in Maharashtra on January 15.

Clarification was sought on the government's decision

Based on reports claiming, "A big Makar Sankranti gift for Ladki Behens! Three thousand rupees for the months of December and January will be deposited into the accounts of Ladki Behens before January 14th," the State Election Commission received numerous complaints. To clarify these complaints, the Commission directed the Chief Secretary to provide clarification on the government's decision regarding the "Ladki Behens Scheme."

Benefits cannot be given in advance – Election Commission

The Chief Secretary stated in his report that the State Election Commission has issued consolidated orders regarding the Model Code of Conduct for the general elections to local self-government institutions on November 4, 2025. According to these orders, development projects and schemes initiated before the announcement of the elections are permitted to continue during the code of conduct period. Against this backdrop, the State Election Commission has clarified that regular scheme benefits may be provided, but not advance benefits. Furthermore, new beneficiaries will not be selected during this period.

What is Ladki Behen Yojana?

The Ladki Behen Yojana is a flagship state government scheme that provides eligible women with a monthly assistance of ₹1,500. The scheme is credited with the Mahayuti's victory in the 2024 assembly elections. In a post on X last week, BJP leader and state minister Girij Mahajan stated that the December and January installments, combined, would be deposited into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries before Makar Sankranti. He described it as a special gift from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

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