The Maharashtra government cannot release an advance instalment for January 2026 under its flagship 'Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme. This decision comes directly from the State Election Commission. The commission enforced the model code of conduct for upcoming municipal elections.
Why the Payment is Blocked
The Maharashtra Election Commission took action on Monday. It barred the state government from releasing the January instalment of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme in advance. Municipal elections are scheduled for January 15, 2026. The model code of conduct is now in effect.
Complaints Trigger SEC Intervention
Several complaints reached the State Election Commission recently. Media reports had claimed beneficiaries would receive ₹3,000 before January 14. This amount was meant to cover both December and January instalments as a Makar Sankranti gift. BJP minister Gitish Mahajan earlier stated eligible women would get this combined transfer before the festival. He called it a special gift from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
State Congress leader Sandesh Kondvilkar filed a formal complaint on Saturday. He argued the proposed payment date of January 14 fell just one day before polling. Kondvilkar requested the poll body's intervention to stop the transfer.
SEC Seeks Clarification from Government
The State Election Commission sent a letter to Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal on Sunday. It sought clarification on the government's plans following the media reports. The SEC specifically asked if the government intended to release two months' instalments together right before the polls. It demanded a response by Monday.
The Chief Secretary referenced consolidated instructions issued by the SEC on November 4, 2025. These instructions covered the model code of conduct for local body elections.
SEC's Final Ruling on Payments
The State Election Commission issued a clear statement. Regular or pending instalments under the 'Mukhyamantri Mazi Ladki Bahin Yojana' may still be disbursed. However, the commission made it unequivocally clear. No advance payment will be permitted during the model code period. This ruling directly blocks the proposed ₹3,000 advance transfer.
About the Ladki Bahin Scheme
The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a major welfare initiative of the Maharashtra government. Eligible women beneficiaries receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500. Political analysts believe the scheme significantly helped the ruling Mahayuti alliance win the 2024 state assembly elections.
Political Reactions and Controversy
The Opposition sharply criticised Minister Gitish Mahajan's announcement of a special gift. They termed it a blatant attempt to influence voters ahead of the January 15 polls for 29 municipal corporations.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the controversy. He stated the Ladki Bahin Yojana is a continuous government scheme. Fadnavis argued it should not fall under the restrictions of the election code of conduct. Despite this assertion, the SEC's ruling stands, preventing the advance January payment.
