Congress ‘surrendered’ India's PDS before World Trade Organisation in 2013, says FM Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has accused the Congress party of compromising India's Public Distribution System (PDS) during its tenure by signing the Bali Agreement in 2013. Speaking at a recent event, she claimed that the agreement not only undermined the interests of the poor but also adversely affected farmers across the nation. Sitharaman's remarks highlight the ongoing political contention over economic policies and trade agreements, with the BJP using this narrative to criticize the previous Congress-led government. The Bali Agreement, which was a significant achievement for the World Trade Organization, included various provisions aimed at facilitating trade, but critics argue that it also imposed detrimental restrictions on India's ability to manage its food security programs effectively. This development points to the broader implications of international trade agreements on domestic welfare schemes, particularly in a country where a substantial portion of the population relies on government support for basic necessities. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the debate surrounding the impact of such agreements on vulnerable communities remains a focal point in Indian politics.