Plans afoot to ensure smooth Haj pilgrimage

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali assured that the State government would make best possible arrangements for the Haj pilgrims and try to increase the Haj Quota for the State. Addressing a gathering on the occasion of release of application forms for Haj 2017 at the Haj House, Nampally, on Monday, Mahmood Ali said he had spoken to the Union Minister for Minorities Welfare for enhancement of Haj quota for Telangana as the Muslim population in Hyderabad was more than any other part of the country and the quota for the State was comparatively less.

He said due to efforts of the government, free accommodation with free food and laundry facilities were provided to Haj pilgrims in Rubath in Makkah last year and the government would try to see that all the pilgrims from Telangana and erstwhile Nizam State get free accommodation in Rubath this year as well.

Mohammed Saleem, MLC, wishing Haj aspirants success in their endeavor, said they should bring about a change in their attitude and behavior after Haj. Mohammed Farooq Hussain, MLC, said efforts were being made for proper guidance and service to the Haj pilgrims in every part of the State. Jaffer Hussain Meraj, MLA, said all Haj affairs were handled in a transparent manner and the Haj applicants should not believe any person, who assured them to provide a seat for Haj.

A K Khan, IPS, Advisor to the State government, Minorities Affairs, said certain unrecognised Haj private tour operators, might cheat them, as many such cases had occurred in the past. He said he would review implementation of various welfare and development schemes of the government meant for the Minorities. Syed Omer Jaleel, IAS, Secretary to the government Minorities Welfare, Haj committee Special Officer Prof S A. Shukoor and others also spoke.