Author: K. R. Phanda
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: November 17, 2007
To reduce the impact of steep increase in
the fuel prices on the quantum of Haj subsidy provided in the Union Budget,
the Ministry of Civil Aviation is reported to have suggested an increase in
the airfare charged from Haj pilgrims from Rs 12,000 to Rs 16,000. However,
the Union Cabinet has turned down the proposal on the ground that the increase
would not be "in keeping with the commitment of the UPA Government to
protect and promote the welfare of the Muslim community".
As a result of this decision, the total Haj
subsidy is expected to rise from Rs 343 crore to Rs 368 crore. It is not the
Centre alone that has been spending money on Haj subsidy -- almost all State
Governments have set up Haj houses. In fact, State Governments across the
country spend roughly about Rs 1,000 crore annually.
The granting of subsidy to Haj pilgrims to
Jeddah and Medina is flawed on more than one count. First, it is against the
spirit of the Constitution as it promotes communalism. Second, it is an insult
to Hindus and Sikhs who were thrown out of Pakistan in 1947. Third, these
Hindus and Sikh refugees have already paid the price of Partition. Under no
circumstances should the money collected from these Hindu and Sikh tax-payers
be used to fund Haj subsidy.
Fourth, Hindus who were not affected by the
country's division on religious lines be asked to foot the bill as it is their
turn to bear the cost of minority appeasement. Fifth, the payment of Haj subsidy
is similar to the levying of jizya on Hindus. For almost 600 years, Hindus
paid jizya during Muslim rule. The manner of payment of jizya was most humiliating.
Sultan Alauddin Khalji once asked a qazi:
"How are Hindus designated in the law?" The qazi replied: "They
are called payers of tribute, and when the revenue officer demands silver
from them, they should without question, and with all humility and respect,
tender gold. If the officer throws dirt in their mouths, they must without
reluctance open their mouths wide to receive it. The due subordination of
the dhimmi is exhibited in this humble payment, also by throwing of dirt into
their mouths." (Indian Islam by Murray Titus).
The Government should, therefore, do away
with Haj subsidy. Hindus cannot be expected to pay for the religious duties
of Muslims.
