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Journalism of Courage
Taking serious note of the The Indian Express report on the UPA Government’s move to revive subsidies to all Haj pilgrims, the Election Commission today asked for an explanation from the Government on why such a move was initiated prior to Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh.
The revival of the subsidies to Haj pilgrims and removal of restrictions placed by the NDA government prior to the elections can be construed as financial grant to a particular community. Hence it is a clear instance of violation of the model code of conduct by the ruling party, EC sources said.
A copy of The Indian Express report was attached with the EC’s letter to the Cabinet Secretary, B.K. Chaturvedi, which sought an explanation from the Government. ‘‘We felt it is a clear violation, unless the Government explains otherwise. They have been asked to send the reply by Tuesday,’’ EC sources said. Though the decision is yet to get the Cabinet’s approval, it was reported that the Government is planning to revive the subsidies to Haj pilgrims to its pre-2003 status to remove hardships being faced by them.
Before 2003, a Haj pilgrim had to shell out Rs 20,000 each for the air ticket which was raised to Rs 45,000 during the NDA regime. Another change to be brought about relates to a man not being allowed to travel with his wife from the same place as required by Mehran and the Saudi law.
