📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Arjunaraoc
Politics
Andhra Pradesh SEC permits pension payouts, halts new enrolments during Model Code
✍️ Livemint
🗓 31 Oct 2026, 10:43 AM
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The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has cleared ongoing pension disbursements but ordered that no new beneficiaries be enrolled while the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
The State Election Commission (SEC) of Andhra Pradesh issued an order allowing pension payments to continue for existing beneficiaries despite the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that came into effect ahead of upcoming elections. The directive seeks to ensure that current pensioners receive their entitled amounts without interruption.
At the same time, the SEC prohibited any fresh enrolments into state pension schemes until the MCC period ends, citing the need to avoid any perception of electoral advantage or inducement. The move aligns with standard practice across Indian states, where new welfare registrations are often frozen during election seasons.
The commission’s order does not affect the schedule of regular pension disbursements, which will proceed as per the existing timetable. Pensioners who are already on the rolls have been advised to continue using the same channels for receiving their benefits.
Officials said the restriction on new enrolments will be lifted once the Model Code is lifted, after which eligible citizens can again apply for pension benefits under the state’s schemes.
At the same time, the SEC prohibited any fresh enrolments into state pension schemes until the MCC period ends, citing the need to avoid any perception of electoral advantage or inducement. The move aligns with standard practice across Indian states, where new welfare registrations are often frozen during election seasons.
The commission’s order does not affect the schedule of regular pension disbursements, which will proceed as per the existing timetable. Pensioners who are already on the rolls have been advised to continue using the same channels for receiving their benefits.
Officials said the restriction on new enrolments will be lifted once the Model Code is lifted, after which eligible citizens can again apply for pension benefits under the state’s schemes.