Welcome the govt's move to withdraw Haj subsidy: UT Khader

Mangaluru: Food and Civil Supplies minister UT Khader welcomed the union government’s move to withdraw subsidy for the Haj pilgrims.

Addressing the mediapersons, minister said that the subsidy was benefiting the agents and Air India and not really the Haj piligrims.

“If Muslims wish to visit Haj they will make necessary arrangements and go to Haj. The Haj Subsidy the government had restricted the pilgrims to travel only by Air India flight, now the Haj Pilgrims can travel by any cheaper flight,” he added.

Khader said that the policy was drafted earlier in 2012 by the Supreme court asking the centre to abolish it by 2022 by deducting 10% every year but the centre has ended the subsidy now.

The Centre has ended the Rs 700 crore subsidy to Haj pilgrims and will now divert the funds for the education of minorities, particularly women.

Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi confirmed that the Haj subsidy has been withdrawn, adding that the decision is in line with the government’s agenda to “empower minorities without appeasement.”