Question : HAJ QUOTA FOR MPS

(a) the details of Haj quota given to each Members of Parliament (MP) during last year;

(b) the details of the MPs who could not utilize their quota, during the said period;

(c) the details of the MPs who were given more than two Haj quota during last year and the current year;

(d) whether there is any deviation in giving quota to MPs in proportion to muslim population;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether the Government has any proposal to increase Haj quota for MPs during the next year; and

(g) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

(a) All efforts are made to allocate minimum two seats to each Member of Parliament provided their recommendations were received and quota is available at that time.

(b) & (c) A large number of recommendations for allotment of seats for Haj 2008 & 2009 were received from Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, other dignitaries and eminent persons.

(d) & (e) No. Quota given to MPs is not decided on the basis of Muslim population of that region.

(f) & (g) The Haj quota for the next year will be decided on the basis of Haj agreement to be signed between Indian & Saudi Government. Therefore, any decision related to Haj quota for the next year will depend on actual quota allotted by Saudi Government at that time.