Withdrawal of Haj subsidy unfair and discriminatory, says AIMPLB

LUCKNOW: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called the government’s decision to revoke the Haj subsidy as undemocratic, discriminatory and unfair towards the minority community.

AIMPLB spokesperson Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said the money spent by the government on festivals of the majority community was more than what was spent as Haj subsidy.

Besides, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali said that the decision of revoking Haj subsidy in one go was not justified as the SC in its decision had asked to withdraw the subsidy gradually.

The SC had ruled that the subsidy is not only unconstitutional but inconsistent with the teachings of Quran.

Talking to HT, Farangi Mahali said, “The subsidy was a way to give a lifeline to Air India (AI) as all the Haj pilgrims were forced to travel from AI instead of other airlines. It could be said that the subsidy was for AI and not for Muslims. Yet, it will affect some of the poor pilgrims who will have to arrange ₹75,000 more.”

On the other hand, Maulana Kalbe Jawwad said, “I will write to the Prime Minister to restore the subsidy as it would hurt the poor pilgrims. Haj is not only for rich but for poor as well. Subsidy must be given to all the poor pilgrims. The government must find a way to give subsidy to the poor and withdraw it for the rich ones.”