Govt withdraws Haj Subsidy, money to be used for educating girls

New Delhi: Thousands of Muslims who go on Haj pilgrimage each year will no longer get subsidised or cheaper air tickets, the government of India said today adding that this move will empower Muslims with dignity.

Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, “”Muslims didn’t benefit from Haj subsidy. Development with dignity is what we believe in. The subsidy will be used for educating girls. We believe in empowerment without appeasement.”

He said despite Haj subsidy being withdrawn, a record 1.75 lakh Muslims would go on the pilgrimage this year after Saudi Arabia increased India’s quota by 5,000. Saudi Arabia has agreed to allow people to go on the Haj by ship, which is cheaper than flying, Naqvi said. Officials of both countries are working out the details, he said.

Bagkground:

A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court in 2012 had, during the Congress regime, directed that the Haj subsidy be done away with. Hence, in the new policy, as per the recommendations of a committee, the government decided to do away with the Haj subsidy gradually. The Ministry of Minority Affairs had asked the panel to suggest the framework for a new Haj policy for 2018-22. Its report was submitted in October.