Fate of world's biggest free food programme rests in PM Modi's hands

PM Modi will soon decide whether to extend a food dole out that has cost India $44 billion since the pandemic, or ease the strain on government finances and food supply

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon decide whether to extend a food dole out that has cost India $44 billion since the pandemic, or ease the strain on government finances and food supply.
 

Modi’s been giving away 5 kilograms of wheat or rice every month to 800 million Indians since April 2020 in a program worth about 1.5 trillion rupees annually. The plan, which was started during the pandemic to supplement the nation’s longstanding sales of subsidized grain, is set to expire at end-September.

The finance ministry isn’t in favor of extending the program as it adds pressure on a