6,000 pilgrims from Telangana ready for Haj pilgrimage

HYDERABAD: There is a steep increase in the number of Haj pilgrims from Telangana state. Unlike last year’s 3,100, this year around 6,000 pilgrims will perform the Haj from June 7 to 22 in different batches this year.

Around 1.75 lakh pilgrims are scheduled to go on the Haj from across India. Interestingly, the pilgrimage expenses have been reduced from ₹4.11 lakh to ₹3.05 lakh this year, after the issue was taken to the notice of Union Minister Smriti Irani by Telangana Haj Committee chairman Mohammad Saleem.

The Union government, in coordination with state governments, is making arrangements for the Haj-bound pilgrims, including visa, flight booking, accommodation and food.

In Telangana state, it is a coordinated effort by GHMC, police, revenue, fire and disaster management and roads and buildings departments.

Acting as guides for the pilgrims will be 15 Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (government officers), who will be given training here on June 3.

 

We are providing air-conditioning accommodation and bus facilities to Haj pilgrims. A help desk will work 24X7. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao directed us to ensure the safe passage of all Haj pilgrims, including the elderly and women. Compared to other states, the Haj pilgrimage is less expensive in Telangana.

-Mohammad Saleem, chairman of Telangana Haj Committee

 

The state and central governments are extending support for Haj pilgrims. I feel subsidy provision should be restored for the pilgrimage. As the number of pilgrims is increasing for Haj and Umrah, the facilities should also be correspondingly more.

-Hafiz Layeeq Khan, president Jamiat-Ulema-e-Hindu