The State government is trying to secure an additional 2,000 seats for Haj pilgrims of the State. Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has already represented to the Government of India in this regard. Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Ahmadullah said this while inaugurating the first Haj training camp here on Sunday.
A total of 6,137 pilgrims have been selected through draw of lots. Efforts were on to get additional quota for the State, Mr. Ahmadullah said and asked those who couldn't make it through the ‘qurrah' not to feel disheartened. The Chief Minister had asked him to provide better facilities to pilgrims and rectify problems, if any, the Minister said.
Syed Khaleeluddin Ahmed, Chairman, State Haj Committee, asked the selected pilgrims to deposit their passports with the Haj Committee by Monday. For those who were yet to get the passports the deadline for submission was July 25.
Luggage
Mr. Ahmed asked the pilgrims not to purchase the luggage yet as the Central Haj Committee was issuing guidelines indicating the size and weight of the suitcases – so that everyone carried uniform luggage. Haj Committee would supply the luggage at lowest rate, Mr. Ahmed said.
Later, Moulana Rizwanullah, explained in detail the different rites associated with Haj and Umrah and asked the pilgrims to learn them before proceeding on the pilgrimage.
