Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Withdraw Restrictions Imposed On Haj Air-Fare Subsidy. on 9 December, 2003
/font> Title: Need to withdraw restrictions imposed on Haj air-fare subsidy.
SHRI G.M. BANATWALLA (PONNANI): Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Government has imposed several conditions on Haj air-fare subsidy. Those who pay income tax, those who go for Haj the second time or those who do not avail of the accommodation provided by the Haj Committee are now debarred from the said Haj subsidy. Thus, even one who pays a small or nominal income-tax is debarred. A tax-payer may also be taking his family for Haj. Women, therefore, will suffer the most. Most poor people prefer to stay in freemusafirkhanas or ‘Rubats’ in the holy places. The conditions imposed are not justified and highly objectionable. Earlier, I had written twice to the hon. Prime Minister in this matter. These conditions will deprive a large number of persons from performing the religious function. There is considerable unrest and resentment against these conditions. It will also be appreciated that it is the duty of the Government to facilitate the people in performing their religious functions. Accordingly, the Government incurs huge legitimate expenditure in facilitating religious rituals of every section of the society.
I would request the Government to withdraw these conditions and make an immediate announcement to this effect.