Source: BBC
The Indian government has launched a giant programme to provide subsidised food to two-thirds of the population.
The Food Security Ordinance will provide 5kg of cheap grain every month to nearly 800 million poor people.
Ministers were criticised for passing the measure as an ordinance, after failing to win parliamentary support.
Critics say the plan is a political move to win votes and will drain India’s finances. Supporters say it will help reduce poverty.
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Despite robust economic growth and rising incomes, India remains a hungry republic”
Soutik BiswasIndia correspondentThe ambitious programme is being called one of the world’s largest welfare schemes.
But there are many economists who question how India can fund the expensive scheme which will see the country’s food subsidy bill double to more than 1.3 trillion rupees ($23.9bn; £15.8bn). The government insists money will not be a problem.