The government, on 27 February, announced a significant reduction in airfare for those going on Haj, a month after it scrapped subsidies for the pilgrimage. Union Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi described the move as a "major step".
"The PMO took a keen interest in this. The decision is in line with our empowerment without appeasement policy," Naqvi told reporters.
The reduction will be applicable to passages on Air India, Saudi Airlines and Flynas, an air carrier based in Saudi Arabia, to Jeddah and Medina from 21 airports in India.
The decision to cut airfares will end the "political and economic exploitation" of Hajis "as was done during the Congress-led UPA regime", Naqvi said.
To drive home the point, the minister compared Haj airfares fixed during the former UPA regime and the ones for 2018.
From Ahmedabad, the round fare this year will be around Rs 65,015, as against Rs 98,750 in 2013-2014. The passage from Mumbai has been brought down to around Rs 57,857, from Rs 98,750 in 2013-14.
The government had in January abolished subsidies given to those on the pilgrimage in view of a 2012 Supreme Court order.
(The Quint, in association with BitGiving, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for an 8-month-old who was raped in Delhi on 28 January 2018. The baby girl, who we will refer to as 'Chhutki', was allegedly raped by her 28-year-old cousin when her parents were away. She has been discharged from AIIMS hospital after undergoing three surgeries, but needs more medical treatment in order to heal completely. Her parents hail from a low-income group and have stopped going to work so that they can take care of the baby. You can help cover Chhutki's medical expenses and secure her future. Every little bit counts. Click here to donate.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)