Govt approves subsidy for Haj pilgrims

New Delhi: The Centre has approved Haj subsidy for 1.25 lakh Indian Muslims for annual pilgrimage to the holy town of Mecca in Saudi Arabia this year.
The decision was taken at a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Thursday. The pilgrims will have to pay Rs 20,000 this year, which is Rs 4,000 more than last year. The balance cost of air travel arrangements would be borne by the government.
On an average, the government pays Rs 38,000 per pilgrim by subsidising airfares. The Haj subsidy, operational since 1973, has come under attack over the years. The Supreme Court on May 8, 2012, directed the government to do away with the subsidy over a period of 10 years.
20/07/12 Deccan Herald

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Categories: Air India Jul 2012, Foreign Jul 2012