USAID Funded 7 Projects in India Worth Nearly ₹6,500 Crore in FY24: Centre
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has funded seven projects in India worth $750 million (nearly ₹6,500 crore) in the financial year 2023-24, according to the latest annual Finance Ministry report. The projects are being implemented in partnership with the government of India, and none of them are linked to enhancing voter turnout, the report added.
This news comes as a significant development in the bilateral relations between the United States and India, particularly in the context of development assistance and cooperation. The USAID has been a key partner for India in various development initiatives, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, and economic development.
The Finance Ministry report revealed that the USAID-funded projects in India are spread across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The projects aim to improve the lives of millions of Indians, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
While the USAID’s focus on healthcare and education is not surprising, given the significant gaps in these areas in India, the fact that none of the projects are linked to enhancing voter turnout is noteworthy. This is particularly in the context of recent controversies surrounding foreign funding and interference in India’s electoral process.
In recent years, there have been concerns about foreign interference and funding in India’s elections, with some countries and organizations attempting to influence the outcome of polls. The government has taken steps to prevent such interference, including imposing restrictions on foreign funding and introducing stricter regulations on election-related activities.
In a related development, Elon Musk-led DOGE (DogeCoin) earlier cancelled a $21 million grant to India to boost “voter turnout”. The grant was intended to promote digital literacy and facilitate online registration for voters, but was cancelled due to concerns about its impact on the electoral process.
The cancellation of the grant has raised questions about the role of foreign funding in India’s elections and the need for greater transparency and accountability in such funding. While the USAID’s funding for projects in India is laudable, it is essential to ensure that such funding is not used to influence the outcome of elections or undermine the democratic process.
In conclusion, the USAID’s funding of seven projects in India worth nearly ₹6,500 crore in FY24 is a significant development in the bilateral relations between the two countries. While the focus on healthcare, education, and infrastructure development is welcome, it is essential to ensure that such funding is not used to influence the outcome of elections or undermine the democratic process.
