Christian body seeks gov’t. subsidy for Christian pilgrims, moves HC

Kochi – A petition, seeking a direction to the Central government to grant subsidy or concession to the christian community for undertaking pilgrimage to Israel, Palestine and Vatican on the lines of the subsidy being granted for Haj pilgrimage, was filed in the Kerala High Court on January 27.

The petition, filed by Francis Albert, general secretary of the Latin Catholic 'Aikya Vedi', also sought a direction to the Union and state governments to take immediate steps to constitute a high power pilgrimage committee for the christian community on the model of the Haj committee.

According to the petitioner, Christians would have to spend at least Rs. 1 lakh for undertaking the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and poor pilgrims cannot afford it.