Hyderabad, July 25: Minister for Minorities Welfare, Mohammed Ahmadullah Syed on Saturday reviewed arrangements being made for the safe and secure departure of Haj pilgrims of the state with officials of the AP State Haj Committee.
The Minister instructed officials to make foolproof arrangements for smooth Haj operations this year, involving all departments concerned and voluntary organizations and individuals hailing from different walks of life.
He enquired the status of the applications and passports of the Haj pilgrims received so far.
The Minister requested pilgrims to contact the Haj Committee office at Haj House, Nampally and furnish necessary details required for obtaining passports.
Haj Committee Executive Officer Habeebuddin Ahmed informed him that on his instructions, he along with officials of the Haj Committee met the Regional Passport Officer Srinivas Gotru and represented the matter of preparation of the Passports for the pilgrims who either do not possess or have applied for the Passports.
The RPO requested the Haj Committee to furnish the data in this respect at the earliest so that necessary arrangements may be made. He assured that such pilgrims will be issued passports with eight months validity and a dedicated counter would be set up in the Passport Office.
The RPO further said that the pilgrims will have to submit necessary documentary proof in respect of date of birth, residence and identity.
The Executive Officer informed the Minister that a meeting with the officials of various departments involved in the Haj Affairs was held recently at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to review the arrangements to be made for the departure of the Haj pilgrims. The GMR officials assured to provide better facilities for the pilgrims.
Officials from GMR, CISF, Air India, Saudi Airlines, Customs, Immigration etc were present in this meeting.
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