New York, Feb 16: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the leadership of billionaire Elon Musk, has unveiled significant budget cuts, including a USD 21 million allocation aimed at “voter turnout in India.” Elon Musk was appointed to lead the new DOGE by US President Donald Trump last month, with a mission to enhance governance and eliminate unnecessary spending. The DOGE made the announcement via a post on platform X on Saturday.
The organization stated, “US taxpayer funds were set to be utilized for the following projects, all of which have been cancelled…” The proposed cuts totalled USD 486 million in grants to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” with notable cancellations including USD 22 million aimed at fostering an “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova and USD 21 million for initiatives to boost “voter turnout in India.” No additional information regarding the funding was provided in the announcement.
This announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States, where he engaged in discussions with President Trump and Musk.
During this visit, SpaceX CEO Musk and his family, including three children, met with Modi. They explored collaboration opportunities in the realms of space, mobility, technology, and energy, as well as exchanged insights on improving governance in both India and the US.
In their statement, the DOGE also cancelled USD 29 million intended for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh,” together with USD 20 million for “fiscal federalism” in Nepal and USD 19 million for “biodiversity conservation” efforts in Nepal.
Additional cuts included a USD 10 million grant for “voluntary medical male circumcision in Mozambique,” USD 2.3 million for “supporting independent voices in Cambodia,” USD 32 million for the Prague Civil Society Centre, USD 40 million for a “gender equality and women empowerment hub,” and USD 14 million for “enhancing public procurement” in Serbia, among other reductions. The total also encompassed USD 47 million purportedly allocated for “improving educational outcomes in Asia.” (AGENCIES)
