The moment a government scheme is called a subsidy, it is frowned at. It is applauded if it's an 'incentive' or tax. When free bicycles are given by states, it is not unproductive as the cycle industry (mainly in Bihar) benefits from this outlay. The same holds with sewing machines (made popular in Tamil Nadu). Hence, if the schemes were called 'women' or 'girl' empowerment schemes with the prefix of a leader, it could have passed the 'test'.
