Hold talks before withdrawal of haj subsidy: M K Muneer

KOZHIKODE: IUML leader and former minister M K Muneer said the central government should hold talks with all concerned sections before taking a call regarding withdrawal of haj subsidies.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Muneer said, “The central government should not withdraw the haj subsidy unilaterally. Before withdrawing an existing benefit, it is incumbent on the government to hold discussions,” he said.
Meanwhile, IUML leader Panakkad Syed Sadiqali Shihab Thangal said in Malappuram that if the Union wanted to go ahead with the decision, it should take steps to reduce the air fare of haj pilgrims.“The subsidy has been a relief for hundreds of pilgrims. If the flight charges are reduced, then there is no need for the subsidy,” he said.
Minority affairs minister K T Jaleel had said in New Delhi on Tuesday that he personally agreed to the stand that the subsidy should be withdrawn. Speaking at a news conference, the minister had said there were opinions that public money should not be shelled out for haj subsidy and added that he also supported the views.