EC withdraws permission to Telangana to disburse aid under Rythu Bandhu Scheme: 'Poll code violation by...,'

livemint.com:

Election Commission on Monday revoked the authorization granted to the Telangana government for distributing financial assistance to farmers for rabi crops under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme, according to an official statement. This action was taken following a violation of the model code by a state minister who publicly announced the disbursements.

The poll panel had given its nod to the state government to disburse the rabi instalment during the model code of conduct period on certain grounds. As part of the conditions, the state was instructed not to publicize the disbursement during the poll code period.

Assembly elections LIVE EC said, “There shall be no disbursement under the Scheme till the Model Code of Conduct in the State of Telangana ceases to apply in all its forms." “The Commission has observed that T Harish Rao, Minister of Finance and Heath and Family Welfare, Govt of Telangana ... has not only violated the provisions of MCC (model code of conduct)...

but also conditions laid down as above by publicising the release under the scheme, and thereby disturbed the level playing field in the ongoing election process," the EC letter to the state chief electoral officer (CEO) read. Also Read: Telangana Election 2023 | Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of spreading hatred, says ‘nafrat ke bazaar me...’ “It is noted that Rabi instalments of Rythu Bandhu assistance were disbursed by the State of Telangana during October-January in last five years and there is neither any fix date(s) of disbursement prescribed in the scheme, nor any special significance of disbursement in the month of November is assigned in design or performance of the scheme," the statement added.