Haj subsidy for 1.25 lakh pilgrims in India

[Maulik]

New Delhi, Oct 7 (PTI) Government today approved Haj subsidy for 1.25 lakh pilgrims and fixed fare of Rs 16,000 per person undertaking the journey.

The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, gave its nod to a proposal for covering 1.25 lakh Haj pilgrims under this year's government subsidy scheme which will be facilitated by the Haj Committee. "Fare to be charged from each of the pilgrims for Haj 2011 is Rs 16,000," an official release said.

It said Haj flights would be operated from 21 embarkation points during during the pilgrimage duration. Haj chartered flights will be operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines and the national air services from 13 and eight embarkation points respectively. The pilgrims would be carried from India to Jeddah between September 29 and October 31. The return flights from Jeddah to India will operate between November 10 and December 10.

The Cabinet also granted ex-post facto approval for increasing the number of pilgrims to 1,26,191 for last year's Haj pilgrimage. PTI

[Maulik]

Some of my Muslims friendz are not in favor of this subsidy. They feel that one spend one's own money to go to Mecca...can anybody throw some light on the issue?

[gadoonwal]

Some of my Muslims friendz are not in favor of this subsidy. They feel that one spend one's own money to go to Mecca...can anybody throw some light on the issue?

CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH HAJJ BECOMES COMPULSORY

Islam sets certain conditions under which it becomes compulsory for a Muslim to perform Hajj.

• One must possess: Physical and mental capability and can assure his family's safety. Hajjis obligatory for the Muslim who can provide for his family while he is away on pilgrimage. He/she should have the physical capability to travel and endure the journey's hardships. He/she should be financially stable even after his return. Furthermore, he/she has to feel secure personally, financially, as well as concerning his family. Time must also be taken into consideration. He/she must have enough time to travel to Mecca, perform the rites of Hajj, and return without undue haste.

• Puberty:Hajjis compulsory on the adult Muslim who has reached mental and physical maturity.

[Karachi]

Some of my Muslims friendz are not in favor of this subsidy. They feel that one spend one's own money to go to Mecca...can anybody throw some light on the issue?

yeah, they have to spend from their own money. Government could spend the money in better ways in helping the muslim community

[IamDZJ]

i think if you are given the opportunity to go one must go. what the government could be doing with that money is the government's responsibility. if by being away for that while you are unable to provide for your family then you should reconsider.