The Election Commission of India (ECI) has blocked Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s mischievous plot of money transfer under various government schemes just two days ahead of polling, so as to influence voters.
Though the ECI had initially itself objected to the move of the state government to transfer more than Rs 14,000 crore, tactfully it got a one day stay on ECI decision from AP High Court and got ready to transfer money hastily on Thursday.
However, inspite of the High Court’s stay ECI took severe objection and found that there was no history of releasing funds for welfare schemes in the month of May before in the state and condemned the government’s move. The EC opined that although there were sufficient funds in the AP treasury, funds were not released to the beneficiaries from January to March intentionally.
Dramatic developments took place on Friday in the wake of the High Court stay order on the release of funds for welfare schemes. Moreover, the officials of the finance department, who were ready to transfer money to the extent of Rs 10,000 crore, backed down at the last minute.
As only the vote on account budget has been approved, officials say that they were afraid of having to face dire consequences if such huge funds are released while the Election Code is in force.
In the wake of the High Court verdict on Friday morning, the Chief Secretary to the Government has written a letter seeking the EC’s permission for the release of funds for cash transfer schemes. The ECI in response asked for an explanation on several issues and ordered an explanation by 3 pm.
The ECI asked the state government to provide the dates of release of funds for DBT schemes by the state government in the last five years and the dates on which they were credited to the accounts of the beneficiaries.
After examining the details submitted by the state government, the ECI opined that even though the government was in a position to pay cash for various schemes, it was extended for a longer period than the actual period. The EC opined that there was a delay in transferring the funds to the beneficiaries of the government’s welfare schemes even though funds were available.
On the other hand, looking at the dates of release of funds for DBT schemes in the past, it is of the opinion that there is no need to release funds for welfare schemes in the month of May 2024. Based on the details provided by the state government, the ECI has clarified that there is no need to release the funds before May 13, the date of polling for the general elections.