Minister releases Haj 2014 application forms

Hyderabad, Feb 1 : Minorities Welfare Minister Syed Mohammed Ahmadullah released the Haj Application Forms for the Haj Season 2014 at Haj House, Nampally, here on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister assured the pilgrims that the State Government would make best possible efforts to provide facilities for the Haj pilgrims. He said that last year about 17,000 people had applied for Haj, out of which 7456 got the opportunity to perform Haj. The state Government has enhanced the budget of the Haj Committee from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore to facilitate the better arrangements for the pilgrims.

Ahmadullah said that elaborate arrangements would be made for this year’s Haj camp and if required, the State Government would release more funds. He said that the issue of construction of a new Haj House would be sorted out very soon and the Government would decide the matter keeping in view all aspects.

On this occasion, the minister also released the Diary of the Urdu Academy AP for the year 2014.

Minorities Welfare Department Special Secretary Syed Omer Jaleel said that he was personally aware of the problems of the Haj pilgrims as he had an opportunity to serve the Haj pilgrims during 2000-01 when he was serving in MCH. He advised the Haj Committee to set up more counters for issue and submission of Haj Application Forms. He said that Princess Esra Hospital is providing medical facilities till last day of the submission of the forms. He appreciated Special Officer Prof. S. A. Shukoor for the success of the Haj Camp 2013 and for selection of good buildings in Makkah KSA previously.

Minorities Welfare Commissioner Shaik Mohammed Iqbal said that best facilities would be provided to the pilgrims in Makkah, Madeena and in Hyderabad. The matter of the new Haj House too was under active consideration. He advised the pilgrims to create the spirit of sacrifice and help the poor and needy and not to have a feeling of proud after the Haj.

Prof Shukoor in his welcome address said that the Haj Committee has made elaborate arrangements for distribution and submission of Haj Application Forms throughout the State. Medical Team from Princess Esra Hospital is deputed in the Haj House and volunteers will assist the pilgrims in filling up the forms. He advised the applicants not to get lured by the middlemen as there is no quota for anybody and the pilgrims will be selected through draw of lots.

The meeting began with recitation of verses from the holy Quran by Hafiz Abdul Wahab Imam Masjid Haj House, while Irfan Shareef EO I/C rendered a Hamd (poem). Mohammed Nooruddin conducted the proceedings while MA Rafi Quraishi APRO proposed a vote of thanks.  INN