New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday demanded the withdrawal of the Haj Committee of India circular raising the Haj airfare by Rs 10,000 per pilgrim and alleged that under the Modi government, the cost of performing Haj has risen to levels that place the pilgrimage beyond the comfortable reach of ordinary Indian families.
The opposition party’s demand came after the Haj Committee of India raised the Haj airfare by Rs 10,000 per pilgrim this year due to a sharp global rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. The Centre, however, asserted that the increase has been restricted through hard negotiations.
The Haj airfare hike has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who have stated that such an increase amounts to “injustice”.
Also Read: Haj pilgrims to pay Rs 10K more due to high ATF prices; govt says protected them from larger burden
A circular issued by the Haj Committee of India mentioned that in view of the extraordinary circumstances arising out of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, a one-time revision in the airfare for Haj 2026 has been approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
“The revised airfare entails an additional amount of USD 100 per pilgrim, irrespective of embarkation point, to be borne b
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