Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy (File Image)
Earlier, opposition parties had raised objections to the continuing cash transfers under welfare schemes at a time when elections are imminent
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has barred the ruling YSR Congress Party-led state government from making direct cash transfers to the beneficiaries of various welfare schemes until polling is complete on May 13. Andhra will go to simultaneous voting for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats on Monday.
The move came a day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday stopped the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government from disbursing Rs 14,165 crore under direct benefit transfer (DBT) to the beneficiaries of six specific government schemes, stating that it is overlapping with the Silence Period.
Noting that Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government announced DBT assistance prior to the imposition of the MCC, the poll body opined, “The disbursement of money at this stage has the propensity to influence the level playing field and will benefit the party in power.”
Earlier, opposition parties had raised objections to the continuing cash transfers under welfare schemes at a time when elections are imminent, and the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
Under a DBT schemes, funds generally get transferred to the beneficiaries within 24 to 48 hours.
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