LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mohsin Raza today made a fervent appeal to the “rich Muslims” by asking them give up Haj subsidy so that the poor and the needy could go on the pilgrimage.
Raza also mentioned that unlike the rich, who have gone on Haj more than once, the poor find it rather difficult to perform the pilgrimage even once in their lifetime.
“The poor must get subsidy for Haj pilgrimage, and not the affluent ones. I appeal to the rich Muslims to give up their Haj subsidy so that the poor and deserving may get an opportunity to perform the religious activity,” Raza told reporters.
The Centre provides subsidy to Muslim pilgrims going on Haj by reducing airfares of the official carrier Air India. Every state has its share of Haj Quota in flight seats.
“UP’s Haj quota has been increased by 8,000 and today it is 29,000-odd seats,” he said, adding the UP Government would ensure that the deserving persons who don’t have the means to go, get help to perform the Haj. (AGENCIES)
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