HYDERABAD: The postponed `qurrah' to confirm seats of State pilgrims for Haj-2006 is likely to be held in the first week of August. For the first time in several years this piquant situation arose with the State Haj Committee being flooded with applications far in excess of the allotted quota.

The draw of lots to eliminate surplus pilgrims had to be postponed on Monday following protests by some pilgrims who wanted those repeating the Haj during the last five years to be removed and not first timers. The appeal made by the Haj Committee to those who have already performed the Haj to voluntarily withdraw by July 29 has evoked poor response. Only 35 pilgrims came forward to take back their applications till Thursday.

Verification of records

The Haj Committee has also commenced verification of its records to find and eliminate names of applicants who are repeating the Haj. So far has detected only 15 names. The verification is proving to be a daunting task as some 24,000 applications received during the last five years have to be checked. "It is a cumbersome procedure to check the photos, age and other particulars of the applicants," said Mohd. Ghouse Mohiuddin, chairman, State Haj Committee.

"The issue of `mehram' is also a matter of concern. Generally women undertake the pilgrimage along with a male family member who has already performed the Haj. If such pilgrims are targeted what happens to other members of the group?" he says.

Authorities reluctant

Since it is a holy pilgrimage, authorities are reluctant to deprive even the repeaters. Efforts are on at the level of the Haj Committee and the State Government to get Andhra Pradesh's quota enhanced so as to accommodate all the applicants. The original quota for the State was 3,906 but it has been enhanced to 4,045 for the current Haj season. This year a record number of 6,385 applications were received and subsequently 33 dropped out.

On a representation the Central Haj Committee, Mumbai, further increased the quota to 6047 after distributing the surrendered quota from other States. But even then the State is left with an excess of 305 pilgrims. Till the Haj flights take off every year about 100 to 150 pilgrims usually opt out on health grounds and due to other exigencies.

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