The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Rs. 500-crore subsidy for Haj pilgrims

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Saturday, Jun 02, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Rs. 500-crore subsidy for Haj pilgrims

Special Correspondent

State's quota for pilgrimage fixed at 7,100

HYDERABAD: In all, 1.10 lakh Haj pilgrims from all over the country will receive the Centre's Rs. 500-crore subsidy this year.

The Saudi Arabian Government has given permission to one lakh people to visit the country for the Haj and negotiations are on to allow the remaining 10,000 Hajis. State's quota for the pilgrimage has been fixed at 7,100.

Andhra Pradesh Minorities Welfare Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir said here on Friday that 45,000 others would be going on the Haj through private travel agencies outside the purview of the subsidy.

The Minister said that no lots would be drawn if the applications received were less in number compared to the State quota and applicants, depending on fulfilling other conditions, would be selected straightaway.

No lots for aged

As a special concession, pilgrims aged above 75 years would be selected without drawing of lots. However, those who had undertaken the pilgrimage in the last five years would not be eligible now.

Mr. Shabbir said those wanting to undertake pilgrimage could apply before June 30.

Applications could be obtained from district Collectors/Haj societies or could be downloaded from www.haj committee.com.

Draw of lots, if necessary, would be conducted between July 1 and 10.

For more details contact 040-23298793.

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