Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jan 17: Minister for food and civil supplies U T Khader on Wednesday January 17 welcomed the union government's decision to withdraw Haj subsidy and said that in reality, only agents were benefiting from the subsidy and not the poor.

Addressing a press meet here, Khader said, "We welcome the decision of scrapping the Haj subsidy. Poor pilgrims were not getting any benefits from it. Only the agencies which arrange Haj pilgrimage were benefiting. So there is nothing wrong in cancelling the subsidy.

"Haj pilgrimage is the holiest and most important religious ritual for Muslims. Only those who earn and can afford it are required to go on Haj. No one asks for subsidies. In 2012, the Supreme Court had ordered to stop the subsidy step by step within five years. Now automatically it has come to an end. But some people with the intention of catering to a particular section are claiming that it is a bold move. There is nothing bold about it," Khader said.

"Earlier, only Air India took Haj pilgrims who came under government quota, but now after the withdrawal of subsidy, pilgrims can fly by any flight. It will lead to competition in the aviation industry, and because of this, airlines will be compelled to offer discounts on air tickets. At the same time, pilgrims can book tickets six months in advance. It will also help them get tickets at cheaper prices. So there is no loss for Haj pilgrims in the cancellation of subsidy," he added.

To a question on objection from hoteliers to the government's Indira Canteens, he said, "Some hoteliers operating near Indira Canteens are afraid of losing their business, so they are raising objections by pointing out at some technical issues. They clearly know Indira Canteen serves quality food at cheaper rates. It may result in a huge loss for them. That is why they are trying to find faults in this project. But the government will go ahead with the plan."

Congress Bengaluru division in-charge Madhu, ZP vice-president Mohammed Monu, Pius Monteiro and others were present.