Ladki Bahin Yojana : Impact of Code of Conduct on 'Ladki Bahin' Scheme, Clear Order from Election Commission

Against the backdrop of municipal elections and with the model code of conduct in force in the state, the State Election Commission has made an important decision regarding the benefits of the 'Dear Sister' scheme. Although permission has been granted to provide regular and pending benefits of this scheme, the Election Commission has explicitly prohibited giving the benefits for the month of January in advance. As a result, discussions about providing the combined benefits for December and January before Makar Sankranti have come to a halt.

“A big gift for beloved sisters on Makar Sankranti! Three thousand rupees for the months of December and January will be deposited into the accounts of beloved sisters before January 14,” due to such news and claims on social media, various complaints were filed with the State Election Commission. In the backdrop of these complaints, the Election Commission had sought clarification from the government to understand the facts.

In the report given to the Election Commission by the state's Chief Secretary, it was clarified that on November 4, 2025, the State Election Commission issued consolidated orders regarding the Model Code of Conduct for the general elections of local self-government bodies. According to these orders, plans and development works that started before the election was announced are allowed to continue during the code of conduct period. Against this backdrop, since the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme is already operational, the Election Commission has clarified that there is no obstacle in providing its regular or pending benefits.

However, to prevent a violation of the code of conduct, the benefit for the month of January has been prohibited from being given in advance. Also, new beneficiaries cannot be selected during this period, as per the instructions given. Meanwhile, the Congress party had made a demand to the state election commission regarding this. However, the commission has upheld its decision based on rules and the code of conduct. Although there is some dissatisfaction among the beneficiaries of the scheme due to this decision, the administration has expressed that this decision is necessary to maintain the transparency of the election process.