3,904 Haj Pilgrims Selected From State Through Draw

As many as 3,904 aspiring Haj pilgrims from the State were selected today for the Haj 2014, through a computerized district-wise Qurrah (draw of lots) in the presence of a large number of applicants.

The Haj committee of India had allotted a quota of 5,380 Haj pilgrims for Andhra Pradesh, out of which 1,476 pilgrims under two Reserved categories of pilgrims of 70+ years and 4th time applicants were declared selected automatically. The district-wise Qurrah was held to select the remaining 3,904, from among 16,607 fresh Haj applicants.

Syed Omer Jaleel, Special Secretary to the Government Minorities Welfare Department, inaugurated the Qurrah. Speaking on the occasion, he congratulated the selected pilgrims, and said that the Government would provide all the facilities needed to the Haj pilgrims.

He added that in view of the expansion project in Makkah KSA, the quota for the country was reduced to 20%, resulting in a decrease in the quota for the Haj committee of India. He said that those who were not selected today should not get disappointed, as they might get a chance in the coming years.

Shaik Mohammed Iqbal IPS, Commissioner Minorities Welfare Department, said that those who did not get selected should feel good since they may become nearer to Allah due to increasing 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 was very fair and transparent, and that there was no quota for anybody in the Haj selections.

Executive Officer Haj commmittee Abdul Hameed welcomed the gathering, and M A Rafi Quraishi APRO proposed a vote of thanks. The proceedings commenced with a recitation of the Qur’an by Hafiz Saber Pasha, and of the Na’at by Irfan Shareef, AEO, Haj Committee. (INN)