Musk-led DOGE scraps $21M funding for increasing India's voter turnout
What's the story
Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has canceled a $21 million funding initiative to increase voter turnout in India.
DOGE made the announcement in a post on X, detailing several foreign political initiatives previously funded by US taxpayers.
This $21 million was part of a larger $486 million allocation to the "Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening" by the US.
Controversy
DOGE's funding cancelation sparks debate
Meanwhile, the Indian government and the Election Commission, which oversees elections for India's 950 million eligible voters, are yet to officially respond to the withdrawal of this funding.
The $486 million package also included allocations for other countries such as Moldova, Bangladesh, Nepal and Liberia.
Indian economist and historian Sanjeev Sanyal reacted to DOGE's announcement on X questioning the allocation of funds.
Criticism
Sanyal questions USAID's funding allocation
Sanyal wondered who received the money.
He said, "Would love to find out who received the US$21 million spent to improve 'voter turnout in India' and the US$29 million to 'strengthening political landscape in Bangladesh;' not to mention the US$29 million spend to improve 'fiscal federalism' in Nepal. USAID is the biggest scam in human history."
His remark has reignited conversations on foreign interference and USAID funding political activities abroad.
Department focus
DOGE's role in government efficiency
Founded under Donald Trump's administration, DOGE aims to streamline government operations and cut costs.
It has introduced automation tools and AI-driven solutions in US government offices.
These measures have sparked debates over job cuts and cost-cutting strategies, receiving both support and criticism from various stakeholders.
DOGE's actions have also led to legal challenges over potential constitutional issues.