EC revokes permission to disburse aid from Telangana govt

In a strong statement, the Election Commission announced on Monday the revocation of permission granted to the Telangana government for the distribution of financial aid to farmers for rabi crops under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme.
This decision was made after a state minister violated the provisions of the model code by publicly announcing the disbursement. Despite initially approving the state government’s request to distribute the rabi instalment during the model code of conduct period, the poll panel took this action based on specific conditions.
The state was asked not to publicise the disbursement during the poll code as part of the condition.
Telangana goes to poll on 30 November. “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.
The Election Commission communicated its decision to retract permission to the state chief electoral officer.
The state finance minister had publicly announced the release of rabi instalment disbursements, stating, “The disbursement will be made on Monday. Even before the farmers complete their breakfast and tea, the amount will be credited into their account.”