Srinagar, Jan 12: The financial crunch had tightened its grip, evident in the stark contrast between the Hajj allocated quota and the number of applications received – a mere 7,000 against the allotted 9,000.
Dr Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, CEO of the Hajj Committee, voiced his concerns and urged aspiring pilgrims to submit their applications promptly to avert a last-minute rush.
“Among the 7,000 applications, 454 belonged to the 70-plus category, and there were also 53 women applying without a mahram.”
The figures painted a sombre picture, highlighting the wavering enthusiasm for the sacred journey. Dr. Shujaat disclosed that, if the applications failed to meet the assigned quota, the committee would not resort to the customary drawing of lots.
Jammu and Kashmir, bestowed with a total Hajj quota of 11,000, faced an additional challenge due to the comparative increase in airfare.
Dr Shujaat clarified that, beyond the allocated 9,000 slots, the region received an extra 2,000, reinforcing the integral role it played in the annual pilgrimage. However, the overall cost of the Hajj pilgrimage remained uncertain, pending the finalization of arrangements and tenders for airfares.
The looming financial strain was unmistakable, with the rising airfare adding a burdensome layer to the overall Hajj cost.
Dr Shujaat drew attention to the fact that, in comparison to embarkation points in Delhi and Mumbai, the airfare from Kashmir was slightly higher, amplifying the financial challenges faced by aspiring pilgrims.
As whispers of financial woes circulated, the Hajj aspirants bemoaned the escalating costs, recounting a staggering surge of 20 to 30 per cent over the past three years.
The previous year had seen pilgrims from Kashmir shelling out Rs 4.11 lakh per person for the revered journey under the auspices of the Hajj Committee of India. It was a testament to the relentless climb in costs, likely contributing to the dwindling number of aspirants in the current year.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smriti Zubin Irani accompanied by V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with H.E. Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) today at Jeddah, KSA.
A total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India has been finalised for Haj 2024 with 1,40,020 seats being reserved for pilgrims to proceed through Haj Committee of India which will greatly benefit the common first-time pilgrims intending to undertake the Haj pilgrimage in 2024 whereas 35,005 pilgrims would be permitted to proceed through Haj Group Operators.
During the meeting with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, KSA, the digital initiatives of the Government of India in facilitating and promoting ease and convenience for the Indian Haj pilgrims by providing last mile information to the pilgrims were greatly appreciated by the KSA side and KSA offered to extend all possible help in this regard. The initiative of the Government of India towards encouraging participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was discussed, deeply appreciated and lauded.