As many as 3904 Haj pilgrims from the State for the Haj 2014 were selected today through computerised district wise The Qurrah (Draw of lots) in the presence of a large number of applicants.
The Haj committee of India has allotted a quota of 5380 Haj pilgrims for Andhra Pradesh, out of which 1476 pilgrims under two Reserved categories of pilgrims of 70+ years and fourth time applicants were declared selected automatically. The district wise Qurrah was held for the remaining 3,904 Haj Pilgrims from among 16607 Fresh Haj Applicants.
Syed Omer Jaleel, Special Secretary to Government Minorities Welfare Department inaugurated the Qurrah. Speaking on the occasion he congratulated the selected pilgrims and said that the Government will provide all the facilities to the Haj pilgrims. He said that in view of expansion project in Makkah KSA the quota for the country was reduced to 20 per cent, resulting decrease in number of quota of the Haj committee of India. He said that those who were not selected today should not get disappointed, as they might get chance in the coming years.
Shaik Mohammed Iqbal IPS, Commissioner Minorities Welfare Department said that those who did not get selected should feel good that they may become nearer to Allah because they will increase their prayers.
Special Officer of the AP State Haj Committee Prof. S A Shukoor, in his Presidential remarks, explained that the entire process of selection of Haj pilgrims is very fair and transparent and there is no quota for anybody in the Haj.
Executive Officer Haj commmittee Abdul Hameed welcomed the gathering and M A Rafi Quraishi APRO proposed a vote of thanks. The proceedings commenced with recitation of Qur’an by Hafiz Saber Pasha and of Na’at by Irfan Shareef AEO Haj Committee. (INN)