Karnataka - Bangalore

Haj: remove VIP quota, says Minister

Bangalore: Minister for Minorities Welfare, Wakf and Haj Mumtaz Ali Khan has suggested that the VIP quota in Haj pilgrimage be done away with as it was being misused.

Speaking at the inaugural of the Haj flight, 2009, here on Friday, he also said that concessions given to private operators of Haj pilgrimage be removed. Dr. Khan said that the Government had already sanctioned Rs. 5 crore to set up a Haj Ghar and the pilgrims next year would be seen off from here.

He said that he had nominated two women to the Haj committee.

Minister of State for Railways K.H. Muniyappa said that India sent the second highest number of pilgrims in the world to Haj.

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