Stephen Grant, a rail consultant, points out that rural services receive 60% of the subsidy but account for only 16% of passenger kilometres travelled.

ECONOMIST: Railways

If the government had given his mother the equivalent subsidy in cash or a health-savings account, she would have had no problem finding a dentist to see her kids.

FORBES: New England Journal: Two-Thirds of Medicaid Children Denied a Doctor's Appointment, vs. 11% for the Privately Insured

Food subsidies account for more than 40% of India's total subsidy costs.

WSJ: India Cabinet Clears Food-Security Bill