Govt thinking of doing away with Haj subsidy: Krishna

External affairs minister SM Krishna today said the government is having "second thoughts" on continuing the Haj subsidy as a number of Muslim organisations have demanded its abolition.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today said the government is having "second thoughts" on continuing the Haj subsidy as a number of Muslim organisations have demanded its abolition.

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A large number of Muslim organisations have approached the Centre, seeking abolition of the subsidy concept for Haj, he told reporters here when asked if there are plans to provide similar package for Christian pilgrims going to the Holy Land.

"There have been second thoughts even with reference to Haj. Haj reforms are taking place and this aspect will also form part of the reforms," he said, adding the government was seriously looking into it.

"....We are eventually thinking of doing away with subsidy content. Large number of Muslim organisations want to abolish the subsidy concept for Haj," Krishna said.