election Commission scrutiny Intensifies as welfare Schemes Face Poll-Time Hurdles
The Election Commission of India’s (EC) differing approaches to welfare scheme implementation during election periods-a recent silence in Bihar contrasted with past interventions in Tamil Nadu-is raising questions about equitable enforcement of the Model Code of conduct. The debate centers on whether such schemes unduly influence voters and compromise the fairness of the democratic process.
The current situation in Bihar involves the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY), a state-funded initiative launched on September 26 aimed at providing assistance to 75 lakh women. Just ten days later, on October 6, the poll body announced a two-phase election schedule – November 6 and 11 – for the state’s 243 Assembly constituencies. The disbursement of ₹10,000 to each beneficiary has drawn criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress, who allege it violates the Model Code of Conduct.
This stands in stark contrast to actions taken in Tamil Nadu over the past two decades. On multiple occasions, election authorities have intervened to halt or modify welfare programs during election cycles.
In March 2003, the then all India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government, led by Jayalalithaa, shifted from a free power supply scheme for farmers and huts to a cash support system. This new approach provided financial assistance-₹500 twice yearly for those with 3hp pump sets, ₹625 for 5hp or larger, and ₹100 annually for hut dwellers-with reimbursement for power bills issued through postal money orders. According to a report in The Hindu on May 6, 2004, veteran farmer leader M.R. Sivasamy noted the scheme was ordered prior to the poll schedule announcement. However, on March 22, 2004, the then Chief Electoral Officer, Mrutyunjay Sarangi, instructed all District Collectors to postpone disbursement until after the election, responding to a clarification request.
Similarly, in early March 2011, the poll body directed District Collectors to suspend the distribution of free color television (TV) sets instantly after announcing the Assembly election timetable. This directive came despite the scheme, a flagship project of the then Dravida munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, being in effect as September 2006. Approximately 1.62 crore sets had already been distributed, with another 9 lakh pending distribution when the Model Code of Conduct came into force.
Despite both schemes being implemented before the official election schedule,the poll panel intervened in Tamil Nadu,highlighting a perceived inconsistency in the application of electoral guidelines. A photograph from September 16, 2006, shows women walking back home with colour television sets distributed by the State Government on the outskirts of Tirupur, illustrating the scale of the DMK’s initiative.
The differing responses raise critical questions about the Election Commission’s role in balancing social welfare programs with the need to maintain electoral integrity. Why is the EC applying the Model Code of conduct differently in Bihar and Tamil Nadu? The who in this situation involves the Election Commission of India, state governments of Bihar and Tamil Nadu, and political parties like the RJD, Congress, AIADMK, and DMK. What is happening is a debate over the fairness of disbursing welfare benefits during election periods, with accusations of potential voter influence. How did this end? As of November 3, 2023, the EC has not issued any directives regarding the MMRY in Bihar
