The application forms for Haj 2013 will be issued from 6 February to 20 March. The filled in applications along with all necessary documents such as copies of passport, address proof, affidavit, SBI Bank Pay-in-Slip of Rs. 300 per pilgrim and two photographs should be submitted in the office of the AP State Haj Committee on all working days between 10am and 3pm.
Addressing a meeting of the State Haj Committee here on Sunday, SHC Chairman Syed Khaleeluddin Ahmed said that the applicants should also enclose a cancelled blank cheque bearing the IFS code. Each cover may contain a maximum of five members only. He informed that the SHC staff has been trained properly with regard to the procedure of the issue and acceptance of the Haj Application forms. Haj Committee members Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani Khusro Pasha (Wakf Board Chairman), Rahmatullah Khan, Malika Begum and others participated in the meeting.
SHC Executive Officer Abdul Hameed explained the process of the issue and acceptance of Haj application forms throughout the state.
The SHC Chairman said that the applicants should have a valid passport issued on or before March 20, 2013. The applicants under reserved categories should submit their original passports along with the application forms. This year the Ministry of External Affairs has issued orders to restrict the number of pilgrimages to a Haj applicant through the Haj Committee of India to once in a lifetime as against the existing once in five years. This is a major change, he said adding that all applicants should submit an affidavit stating that they have not performed Haj earlier through the HCI.
This principle will also apply to repeaters who wish to go to Haj as Mehram along with their family members. Likewise, applicants under reserved categories along with their companion should also submit an affidavit that they had never performed Haj earlier through the Haj Committee or private tour operators in their life time. Every affidavit should be made on a Rs. 10 stamp paper and duly notarised. Proforma of the affidavit is available in the Haj application form.
This year too there will be only two categories - Green and Azizia. Children above two years will be charged as per adult pilgrims. For more details, the intending pilgrims can contact the SHC office at Haj House, Nampally, or on phone number 040-23298793 during office hours on all working days. (INN)