New Delhi: Minority Affairs Minister Dr KT Jaleel has said that he personally agrees with the stand that the Haj subsidy should be withdrawn.
Speaking in a news conference here, Jaleel said "if somebody had said it is not correct to use public money to provide Haj subsidy, my stand is that there is nothing wrong in withdrawing the subsidy. If any person does not agree with the Haj subsidy, the subsidy, which is provided with the money of that particular person also, should not be used for the pilgrimage," he said.
"There were no allegations against the subsidy till now. I am voicing my opinion on the issue as some people have said that public money should not be used to provide haj subsidy," he said.
Jaleel said even while accepting the argument that the subsidy is being provided for flight travel, the Haj pilgrims can be taken for the pilgrimage in aeroplanes offering less rates.
"The rates levied during the off season can be levied during the haj season. The State will voice its opinion on Haj subsidy if the Centre asks so," he added.
