Telangana: Curbs lead to dip in Haj aspirants

Hyderabad: With the reserved quota for fourth-time applicants (those who had applied three times and not been selected) abolished from this year onwards, the Telangana State Haj Committee has seen a significant drop in applications for next year’s pilgrimage.

The Haj Committee of India (HCI) has abolished fourth timers’ reservation category, while the only reservation that remains is for those above 70 years of age.

“About 11,500 applications have been received so far as against 20,000 last year. We do not expect more than 15,000 applications as fourth-timers’ reservation has been abolished. Others can submit their applications and will be selected through a draw of lots,” said professor S.A. Shukhoor, special officer, Telangana State Haj Committee.

The fourth timers’ category was reserved for those applicants who had applied thrice before and were not selected in the draw of lots. “Some people used to apply every year simply to get in three or four applications. This will not happen now," he said.

Last year, of the total 3,700 seats allotted to Telangana, draws were held for just 333 seats in the open category. The remaining seats went to the 70-plus category and the fourth timers’ category, both reserved. This year the draw will be held for around 3,000 seats. 

Moreover, the government of Saudi Arabia has also imposed restrictions on persons who are performing the Haj or Umrah pilgrimage for the second time in three consecutive years.

“An additional fee of 2,000 Saudi Riyal is to be paid by such persons. So, more first-timers are likely to get a chance to go this year ,” an official said. The date for submitting applications for Haj pilgrimage has been extended to December 22.