First batch of 350 pilgrims leave for Haj

Hyderabad, Sept 14 (INN): The first batch of 350 pilgrims left for the holy journey of Haj 2014 through a chartered flight from the Haj Terminal of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Shamsabad here on Sunday. The flight got delayed by four hours causing some inconvenience to the pilgrims.

Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali flagged off the first batch of pilgrims at the Haj House at Nampally amidst chanting of Talbiyah (A special prayers for Haj) both by the pilgrims and the visitors who had gathered to bid them farewell. Speaking on the occasion, Mahmood Ali requested the pilgrims to pray for the development of Telangana State. He informed that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will flag off the second batch of pilgrims on Monday. He said that the Chief Minister had issued special instructions for elaborate arrangements at the Haj Camp to ensure that pilgrims do not face any hardship.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed for the development of minorities in the State. He said that the Chief Minister has extended the benefits of Kalyana Lakshmi scheme to the Muslim community wherein Rs 51,000 would be given for the marriage of poor girls. He said nearly two lakh marriages would be funded in the next five years. He said that the government has also decided to give judicial powers to the State Wakf Board to ensure protection and development of Wakf properties. He said the move would facilitate in increasing the income of Wakf Board to Rs 1,000 Cr to Rs 2,000 crore. The government has also allocated Rs 1,000 crore in the budget for the welfare of minorities.

MLC Mohammed Saleem advised the pilgrims to help each other during the journey and stay at Holy Mecca and Madina. Government Whip Shakeel Aamir praised the State Haj Committee for making elaborate arrangements at the Haj Camp.

Jamia Nizamia Chief Moulana Mufti Khaleel Ahmed explained the importance of Haj and advised the pilgrims to spend most of their time in prayers.

Eminent religious scholars, officials of the departments concerned including the Saudi Airlines were also present.