The Food Corporation of India (FCI) has stirred controversy with its decision to display Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photo on foodgrain bags distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) ahead of the 2024 general elections. This move, aimed at highlighting the government’s welfare schemes, has drawn criticism for allegedly politicizing food distribution.
While Rajasthan and Nagaland have already placed orders for branded bags, other states like Kerala may abstain from such branding. Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of taxpayer funds for political gains, with some questioning the necessity of displaying political figures’ faces on essential commodities.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra and Delhi are yet to finalize their tender processes, indicating differing stances among regions regarding this initiative. Despite the controversy, the annual food subsidy remains a significant expenditure for the Central government, underscoring the importance of transparent and accountable distribution practices.