Government mulling over abolishing Haj subsidy: Krishna

Kochi, Apr 3 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday said the central government is mulling over abolishing the Haj subsidy after several Muslim organisations urged the government to remove it.

Reacting to reports that there are plans to provide similar packages to Christian pilgrims, Krishna said the government is planning to do away with the subsidy for Haj pilgrims, adding that the change would be part of reforms that are taking place.

"Well, there have been second thoughts, even with reference to Haj. Haj reforms are taking place and we are evaluating this question of subsidy constantly and a large number of Muslim organisations have approached the government of India to abolish this subsidy concept. So, I think that will be part of the reforms, which we will be taking it up," he said.

In 2008, the Andhra Pradesh Government had doled out a travel subsidy plan for Christian pilgrimage, drawing flak from the opposition as pandering to a minority community. (ANI)