Amaravathi, Nov. 1, 2019: The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in Andhra Pradesh has decided to increase financial aid to Haj and Jerusalem pilgrims in the state in a cabinet meeting on Oct. 30.
The decision will affect Muslims travelling to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj and Christians visiting different holy places in Jerusalem every year. After being elected in the state in the recent Assembly elections, Reddy also visited Jerusalem with his family members.
According to the move, the government decided to increase financial aid from 40,000 rupees to 60,000 rupees, for those whose annual income is below 300,000. Pilgrims whose annual income is above that amount will get 30,000 rupees as opposed to the 20,000 rupees guaranteed under the existing scheme.
The government will also allocate a budget of 142.2 million rupees for the pilgrimages.
Meanwhile, Narendra Modi-led federal government discontinued subsidies to Haj pilgrims and instead directed the funds toward the empowerment of minority women.
The ruling YSR Congress Party in the state has a strong sway over minority communities, especially Muslims and Christians. According to the party’s leaders, the minorities had played a vital role getting them elected in the state.
Thus Reddy also decided to give a monthly allowance of 5000 rupees to Imams and pastors. The government had recently also allocated 50 percent quota for Muslims in all nominated Posts along with OBC, SC, ST communities.
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