Haj Committee downgrades 12,000 pilgrims to Aziziya Category

Hyderabad, June 6 : The Haj Committee of India Mumbai has decided to down-grade nearly 12,000 Pilgrims from Green to Aziziya Category for Haj-2013.

The decision was taken following large scale demolitions that took place near Haram Sharif in Makkah Mukarramah in the areas which were traditionally occupied by the Indian Pilgrims. Therefore, only 40,000 Green accommodation units are available in Makkah Mukarramah for the Pilgrims of Haj-2013. However, around 52,000 selected Pilgrims have opted for Green Category accommodation.

State Haj Committee chairman Syed Khaleeluddin Ahmed informed that in view of the shortage of accommodation units in Green Category, the Haj Committee of India has decided to down-grade nearly 12,000 Pilgrims from Green to Aziziya Category as per Clause 20.2 of the Guidelines for Haj-2013.

An opportunity is given to all the selected Pilgrims (who opted for Green Category) to send their applications for down-gradation of Category writing their Cover Number, Name and Address, if they so desire, by fax or email on or before 14.06.2013. The applicants may also send their applications for down-gradation to the Haj Committee on e-mail IDs: [email protected] or [email protected] or Fax Numbers 022-22630461 and 022-22620920.

If excess applications are received for down gradation than required, then requests will be considered only to the extent of shortfall of Green category units . If less applications are received for down gradation than required, then the HCOI will conduct draw of lots as per clause 20.2 of Guidelines for Haj 2013. The pilgrims have been advised to pay the balance Haj amount after re-checking their final accommodation category and pay as per the Category allotted and not as per the category opted by them. INN