Haj Committee

Haj

The Delhi government will soon approach the Centre to seek a hike in Haj quota allotment from the city considering the ever increasing number of applicants for the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
A total of 719 pilgrims from the city were today selected at a function through draw of lots out of 6,889 applicants for this year''s annual Haj.
"We will soon approach the Union Government seeking an increase in the quota. We will try to ensure that maximum number of people could avail this auspicious opportunity," Delhi Revenue Minister A K Walia said addressing the function.
He also gave an account of various measures initiated by the city government for welfare of the minorities.
Apart from those selected by draw of lots, 255 applicants, who have been applying for the last three years, were selected for the annual pilgrimage. Another group of 447 people aged 70 years and above were also selected on ground of their age.
Walia said a quota of 1,222 pilgrims were allocated to Delhi State Haj Committee for this year''s Haj whereas an additional 204 seats were offered by Haj Committee of India out of surrendered seats by other states.
Five applicants, who could not perform the pilgrimage last year due to certain technical difficulties despite being selected, have also been chosen for this year''s Haj.
The Revenue Minister said Delhi State Haj Committee will provide all possible help to the pilgrims.
Walia congratulated the selected aspirants and wished them a successful pilgrimage.
Delhi Power Minister Harun Yusuf was also present on the occasion. Both the ministers exhorted selected pilgrims the Hajis to pray for peace, prosperity, unity, brotherhood and communal harmony in India. A large number of applicants along with their friends and relatives were also present on this occasion.

Posted in: World News