Election code halts Indiramma Saree distribution in Telangana

The Telangana government’s flagship Indiramma Saree distribution programme has been temporarily paused due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) enforced for the ongoing gram panchayat elections. The distribution, which began on November 19, was stopped on the evening of November 25 once the election code came into effect.

The government had planned to distribute one crore sarees to one crore women across the state. In the first week - from November 19 to 25 - around 44 lakh sarees were distributed in rural areas. Officials said the remaining 11 lakh sarees meant for villages will be handed over after the panchayat elections. According to SERP CEO Divya, the distribution drive has also encouraged nearly two lakh women to newly join self-help groups in rural regions.

For urban and municipal areas, the government has planned another phase of distribution from March 1 to March 8, targeting around 35 lakh beneficiaries. The programme is expected to get added prominence as the final day of distribution coincides with International Women’s Day (March 8).

The gram panchayat election process is underway across Telangana, triggering the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. The elections will be held in three phases - December 11, 14 and 17. Filing of nominations for Sarpanch and Ward Member positions has concluded, and scrutiny is currently in progress. Candidates can appeal rejection of nominations, while December 3 (3 p.m.) is the deadline for withdrawing nominations. The final list of candidates will be announced after the withdrawal window closes.

With the ruling Congress, along with the opposition BRS and BJP, viewing these polls as politically significant, the elections have taken on added importance statewide.