Mir seeks priority for dropout Haj aspirants, full subsidy quota

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 21: Describing the new Haj Policy- 2017 as unfriendly and  unbecoming on the part of Central Haj Committee and Central Govt, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president GA Mir today stated that adding no priority to those aspirants who have not been selected earlier for Haj pilgrimage, is very discriminatory.
Mir also expressed serious concern over minimizing subsidy on Haj pilgrimage terming it as a wrong decision on the part of Central Govt which need to be revoked and full subsidy must be restored to Haj aspirants.
Lashing out at Central Govt for change in Haj Policy,  Mir today said that Govt must revoke the decision of not adding priority to those aspirants who have not been selected earlier while as they deserve to get priority for Haj pilgrimage in coming year.
He said UPA Govt had framed policy of adding priority to Haj drop outs, thereby providing them opportunities to go on pilgrimage, besides ensured adequate subsidy to them, but the present dispensation at Centre is working in an opposite direction, rather than creating new opportunities for Haj aspirants, it has adopted  discriminatory approach towards them.
Expressing serious concern over the new Haj Policy,  Mir criticized State Govt for failing to come up to  the expectations of the people on this count. Moreover,   State Govt could not convince both Centre Govt and Central Haj Committee. He added that withdrawal of priority and minimizing the subsidy on Haj pilgrimage is a step taken in haste.
Recalling the Haj Policy of UPA Govt, Mir said that UPA- I UPA- II had taken various measures benefitting Haj aspirants in shape of priority, subsidy or enhancing Haj quota from time to time, but this Govt has not only minimized the subsidy, but cancelled the priority for drop outs, which need to be corrected forthwith.
PCC chief  urged both Centre Govt and Central Haji Committee to revoke the new Haj Policy and restore the priority to drops out, besides ensuring subsidy they were enjoying.

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