Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali has assured that the State Government would provide all facilities to the pilgrims of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states, who would be leaving for Haj 2015 from Hyderabad Embarkation Point.
Speaking on the occasion of Qurrah (Draw of lots) to select the Haj pilgrims at Haj House in Nampally here on Wednesday, the Deputy CM informed that the government has provided a grant of Rs 2 crore to the State Haj Committee for the Haj arrangements this year. He said that the proposal for departure of Haj pilgrims from Begum Airport was under consideration although there were several technical issues involved like the security, ATC and landing/take off of big airplanes.
Mahmood Ali said efforts were also on to provide accommodation to nearly 600 pilgrims from the State in Rubaats. He said negotiations with Nizam Trust and Nazim-ur-Rubaat were on and the issue would be resolved soon. He said that the Chief Minister would be involved if required to resolve the Rubaat issue.
The Deputy CM that the Haj Committee of India would be represented to increase the quota for the pilgrims of Telangana State from next year. Very few seats are being left in the general category after providing reservation to intending pilgrims of above 70 years age and the fourth-time applicants. He said that all the HCI norms are being followed strictly.
Legislators Jaffer Hussain Meraj, Aamir Shakeel and Mohammed Saleem, Minorities Welfare Department Special Secretary Syed Omer Jaleel, Wakf Board Special Officer M Jalauddin Akbar and SHC Special Officer Prof SA Shukoor were also present. (INN)