Washington DC, February 16 (ANI): The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced on Saturday (local time) the cancellation of several international funding projects, including USD 22 million intended for voter turnout in India. The move is part of a broader effort to cut government spending.
In an official post on X, DOGE revealed a list of canceled projects funded by US taxpayer dollars, which includes:
- USD 22 million for voter turnout in India
- USD 10 million for Mozambique’s voluntary medical male circumcision
- USD 29 million for strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh
- USD 39 million for fiscal federalism and biodiversity conservation in Nepal
- USD 1.5 million for voter confidence in Liberia
- USD 14 million for social cohesion in Mali
- USD 2.5 million for inclusive democracies in Southern Africa
- USD 47 million for improving learning outcomes in Asia
- USD 32 million to the Prague Civil Society Centre
- USD 40 million for a gender equality and women empowerment hub
- USD 14 million for improving public procurement in Serbia
This cancellation aligns with DOGE’s mission to streamline government operations and drastically reduce unnecessary spending.
In response, BJP’s Amit Malviya took to X to comment on the cancellation of the USD 21 million earmarked for voter turnout in India, calling it “external interference in India’s electoral process.” Malviya questioned who stood to benefit from the funding, asserting that it was certainly not the ruling party.
Meanwhile, DOGE has continued its campaign to cut spending, which has raised concerns within some agencies. Reports indicate that DOGE has sought access to critical government systems, such as the Treasury payment system, which has been met with opposition from various departments.
Bangladesh’s Collaboration with Elon Musk
In a separate development, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, recently discussed with Elon Musk the potential launch of Starlink satellite internet in Bangladesh. Yunus expressed his desire for Musk to visit Bangladesh to oversee the launch, which could revolutionize internet service for the country’s rural areas, vulnerable women, and youth. Musk, known for leading Tesla, SpaceX, and DOGE, expressed interest in the project, highlighting Starlink’s transformative potential.
Prime Minister Modi’s Meeting with Elon Musk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Musk during his recent visit to the US. The two discussed strengthening cooperation between India and the US in fields like space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. Modi emphasized India’s ongoing reforms to promote “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
Criticism of USAID and Trump’s Remarks
The cuts to foreign aid spending come amid broader criticism from US President Donald Trump regarding the handling of funds by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Trump criticized the agency’s spending practices, calling it “fraudulent and unexplainable,” and suggested it should be shut down.
