India’s decision to abolish the decades-old policy of subsiding Haj for individuals across the country has triggered a wide range of reactions. The government has claimed the decision was aimed at empowering Muslims in the country “with dignity”, and that the funds that subsidised air travel for Haj pilgrims from India would now be utilised for education and skill development, mainly for Muslim girls. On the face of it, the abolition also appears to provide pilgrims with more competitive choice for flight carriers and airports, rather than relying on the monopoly of state carrier Air India any further.
But while the government has cited a 2012 Supreme Court order as the reason behind the abolition, the top court had actually directed the government to dismantle the subsidy infrastructure in a phased manner over the next 10 years. So the sudden rush to end it four years ahead of schedule looks perplexing.
The bigger question that arises next is about the subsidies that the Indian government provides for other religious pilgrimages. If one of the objectives is to restore the dignity of the pilgrims, then certainly those undertaking the arduous journey to Hindu holy shrines in Amarnath or Kailash Mansarovar also deserve to get their dignity back without the help of any government largesse.
However, while subsidies for Haj were in the decline in the past few years, subsidies provided to other religious activities have seemingly been increased by states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. This is not only contradictory to the federal government’s avowed intention, but also contrary to India’s secular credentials. There should be no compromise in the government’s responsibility to ensure safety and security for large gatherings such as the Kumbh Mela or the Sabarimala pilgrimage, but the government’s role must now end in financially facilitating all individual pilgrims.
