Source: Hindustan Times, October 30


DELHI, INDIA: 72,000 Muslims from India will make the pilgrimage to Mecca this year financed by the Indian government at US$435 each to cover airfare and accommodations to Saudi Arabia. The subsidy, which totals US$32 million, allows poorer Muslims to make the requiste once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. The subsidy was increased over last year due to increase in aviation fuel costs.