A recent social media post has highlighted a perceived disparity in public and political reactions to significant government expenditures in India, contrasting the multi-billion dollar Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme with the costs associated with the Prime Minister's foreign visits. The tweet, authored by "Rishi
," stated, "> $25 billion on PLI subsidies: 🤐" while simultaneously expressing outrage over "> $4 million on PM's foreign visits: 🤬." This commentary underscores an ongoing debate regarding the allocation and perception of public funds.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in March 2020, represents a cornerstone of India's manufacturing strategy. With an overall incentive outlay of approximately ₹1.97 lakh crore (around $23.7 billion), the scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing, enhance India's global competitiveness, and reduce import dependence across 14 key sectors, including electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and solar modules. Its objectives include attracting investments, fostering technological advancements, and generating substantial employment opportunities.
As of June 2024, the PLI schemes have reportedly attracted investments totaling ₹1.32 lakh crore and contributed to a manufacturing output of ₹10.9 lakh crore. The initiative has also been credited with creating approximately 8.5 lakh direct and indirect jobs, along with contributing ₹4 lakh crore to exports. While the scheme has shown progress in achieving its goals, some reports in March 2025 noted challenges in disbursement, with only a fraction of the allocated funds utilized, prompting considerations for revisions to enhance its effectiveness.
In contrast, the Prime Minister's foreign travel expenses, while significantly smaller in scale, often draw considerable public scrutiny. Between May 2022 and December 2024, approximately ₹258 crore (around $31 million) was incurred on 38 foreign visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These trips are typically undertaken to strengthen diplomatic ties, promote trade and investment, and represent India at international forums, with costs covering accommodation, transport, security, and official delegations.
The tweet's stark comparison highlights a recurring theme in public discourse, where the perceived value and transparency of different government expenditures are weighed. While large-scale industrial incentives like PLI are framed as long-term investments for economic growth and job creation, the more visible costs of diplomatic engagements, even if comparatively modest, can become focal points for criticism, reflecting diverse public priorities and political perspectives on national spending.