PANJIM: As the State is gripped in the election mood and political parties not leaving any opportunity to remind the electorates about several schemes introduced during its tenures, the ongoing model code of conduct has temporarily stalled disbursements of funds to new beneficiaries.
Although sanctioning of new applications under various welfare schemes is being undertaken, release of funds is what comes under the election code. “New proposals cannot be considered and even if an application is sanctioned, money disbursement is barred as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI),” said an officer at the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
Details with Herald reveal that quite a few fresh applications for financial benefit under Laadli Laxmi and Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) have been received by the Directorate of Women & Child Development (WCD) and Social Welfare Department, respectively.
While the WCD has begun sanctioning applications that fit the eligibility criteria sans release of funds, the Social Welfare Department has preferred to hold back sanctions till the code of conduct is lifted.
“We have sanctioned some applications for Laadli Laxmi but held back disbursement of Rs 1 lakh each to these applicants until the code is lifted by the ECI. Our officials are continuously on the job to ensure eligible applicants get the benefit and at the same time the code is not violated,” said a WCD officer.
The department, also a nodal agency for Griha Aadhar however has no new sanctions for Griha Aadhar but existing beneficiaries continue to get their monthly dole, the office said.
The departments have declined to give the total number of fresh applications pending sanction and those sanctioned since March 10 when the code was enforced across the country, claiming it might violate the ECI guidelines.
An election officer said that the code does not interfere with the existing beneficiaries who have already been availing funds under schemes like DSSS, Griha Aadhar, scholarships, etc before the enforcement of the election code. “The rule applies to new applicants only,” he said.
There’s another clause that if any applications need to be considered on urgency, a scrutiny committee headed by Chief Secretary and the Election Office have to intervene. The CEO official said that certain routine applications (excluding the welfare schemes) were allowed funds after a thorough scrutiny. “These routine applications were considered under urgency category and cleared for funds,” he said.
