Tag: pilgrims

Govt To Implement ‘Cashless Hajj’ Scheme For 1.4 Lakh Hajj pilgrims This Year- Details Here – Kashmir News

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The government has decided to lay emphasis on ‘Cashless Hajj’ this year. In pursuant to this policy, the Haj pilgrims will be provided with a card by the State Bank of India (SBI) for the use of foreign currency. Highly placed sources in the Ministry of Minority Affairs gave this information on Monday.
Under the earlier system, Haj pilgrims had to deposit 2,100 Saudi Riyals (about Rs 45 thousand) with the Haj Committee of India, which used to be made available to them for spending in Mecca and Medina of Saudi Arabia.
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The process of applying for Haj and selection of pilgrims was carried out online and of the 1.84 lakh applicants, 14,935 have been given assured allotment, including 10,621 in the 70-plus category and 4,314 women who will perform the Haj without a “Mahram” (male companion).
This is the largest ever contingent of women proceeding on Haj alone, not accompanied by men, the ministry said in a statement.
The applications received over and above the Haj quota have been finalised through an online randomised digital selection (ORDS) process, without any human intervention, it added.
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For the first time, the list of selected and waitlisted applicants was published on the official portal immediately after the selection process in the interest of increased transparency, the statement said.
All 1.4 lakh selected pilgrims have been sent a text message with the information of their selection for Haj 2023. A text message has also been sent to the waitlisted applicants, informing them about their position on the list, the statement said.
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The ministry has partnered with the SBI to make special arrangements to provide foreign exchange to the pilgrims.

Unlike previous years, when each pilgrim was given 2,100 Saudi riyals by the Haj Committee of India in lieu of Indian currency, irrespective of his actual requirements, the Haj Policy 2023 gives the option to the pilgrims to arrange their own foreign currency or take a lesser amount of foreign exchange, according to their requirements.
The government has collaborated with the SBI to ensure the supply of foreign exchange to the pilgrims at the most competitive rates, the statement said.
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With more than 22,000 branches across the country, the SBI shall facilitate providing foreign exchange and the mandatory insurance to all the pilgrims to meet their requirements during their stay in Saudi Arabia.
The bank will reach out to the pilgrims through text messages, the ministry said. The facility of a forex card is also being provided to the pilgrims, eliminating the possibility of theft or loss of physical currency, it added.
In case the card is lost during the pilgrimage, the pilgrim can get his money refunded from the bank.
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An official said the government’s aim is to support a “cashless Haj” to make it convenient for the pilgrims. The SBI will also set up stalls at all the embarkation points with dedicated nodal officers of an appropriate level to help the pilgrims collect the foreign exchange in cash or through the forex card and also to provide any guidance and assistance as may be required.
A helpline shall be operated by the SBI and the contact details of these nodal officers will be made public soon, the statement said.
For the present year, a quota of 1,75,025 Haj pilgrims has been allotted to India. The first flight for the pilgrimage from India will take off on May 21. The annual pilgrimage will take place around June end. (PTI)
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( With inputs from : kashmirnews.in )

April 4, 2023
36000 Pilgrims Performed Umrah, 50 Per Cent Increase Over Last Year

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SRINAGAR: At least 36000 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir performed Umrah since September 2022 till this Ramadan, indicating 50 per cent increase of pilgrims compared to last year in the Union Territory, JK Association of Hajj and Umrah Companies (JKAHUC) said on Saturday.
General Secretary of the association, Muhammad Younis Bhat said that the tour operations have suffered a loss of Rs 5-6 lakh each this Ramadan as they were expecting a huge flow of pilgrims for Umrah in this holy month.
“However, the rush of pilgrims remained less, especially due to the March session for students announced by the government. The tour operators had already booked the blocks of airlines in advance, but as the rush was not up to the expectations, the bookings had to be cancelled and thus lead to the losses of Rs 5-6 lakh each to the tour operators,” he said.
He added that at least 36,000 people from across JK performed Umrah since September 2022 till this Ramadan while 34000 among them are from Kashmir division, adding that the number of pilgrims has increased nearly 50 per cent compared to last year.
The General Secretary further stated that earlier there was only one airline, Air India, available for the pilgrims, but the association played a key role in ensuring an increase in the number of airlines and now three airlines including Air India, Indigo and Spicejet are available for the pilgrims.
During the winters, the tour operators were facing losses, but this year, there has been rescheduling of the flight operations as the flights are connected unlike previous years, he said, adding that the Indigo earned highest amongst the three.
However, he appealed to the airlines to drop the pilgrims at Terminal 3 where the people from J&K get facilities.
Besides, the association also demanded immigration point at Srinagar international airport, saying that the process should be completed for pilgrims at Srinagar airport.

Reacting to the chaos over package for Umrah, he said that the main reason behind such an issue is the lack of coordination between the people and the tour operators, adding that the people have been demanding the cheapest package, thus the tour operators couldn’t manage things with just a meagre amount.
He further said that three packages are available, which include for 15 days, 21-22 days and one month, adding that most of the pilgrims opt for 21-22 days package.
About the upcoming Haj, the General Secretary of JKAHUC, said that the pilgrims must check the past history of the tour operators before fixing the package. He also said that there would be no increase in the amount payable for Hajj this year and the lowest package for a pilgrim will be Rs 6,50,000 like last year.
Asked about the video of Hajis that went viral after they faced issues in Saudi, he said that there was no fault of the tour operators here, but it was because of the hotel that they faced hardships.
Moreover, he said that the pilgrims going for Umrah should prepare themselves for a few day stay at Madina as the erstwhile trend of staying for 40 prayers will come to an end as the rates have increased manifold.
The General Secretary further appealed people not to go after the low package and ensure proper check of facilities being provided to him/her while discussing the package.
“The pilgrims should be ready to accept the orders being issued by Saudi Arabia. The norms in Saudi are to be followed and people should be aware about it. They should be aware about economic class and deluxe class packages,” he said and appealed to the tour operators to make things clear to the Hajis and ensure proper signature of the pilgrims while divulging the details.
Pilgrims are advised to attend orientation programmes to get aware about the facts, he said, adding that the people from Kashmir staying in Saudi Arabia should not add fuel to any situation, especially when there is any misunderstanding or any issue is taking place with the pilgrims.
He further said that the association has ensured accountability. “The cheating issues have taken place in the past, but we have been ensuring accountability. If there is any such complaint, the matter is being investigated thoroughly. There is no such case in the past three-four years, because the association has been playing key role and the people should meet us in case of any such complaint,” he said. (KNO)

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 2, 2023
Provisionally Selected Hajj Pilgrims To Deposit Advance Before April 7

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SRINAGAR: The Executive Officer, JK Haj Committee on Saturday issued a communique stating that as per the circular received from Haj Committee of India, all the provisionally selected pilgrims are requested to deposit an Advance of Rs. 81,800 each up to 7th April, 2023 positively.
Payments can be made either Online through www.hajcommittee.gov.in or in Haj Committee of India account maintained with SBI or account maintained with UBI through any branch having core Banking System by using unique Bank Reference Number in the Specified Pay – in slip on the website.
“In Addition, the Pilgrims of Kashmir Division are also advised to deposit a hard copy of Pay – In – Slip along the original passport at Haj House, Bemina, Srinagar by or before April 10, 2023”, reads the notification.
The notification also states that the provisionally Selected pilgrims of Jammu Division Shall deposit the aforesaid documents in their respective Deputy Commissioners Offices by or before April 08, 2023 so as to reach Haj Committee by or before April 10, 2023.
“Besides, all the selected pilgrims are advised to obtain the Medical Screening and Fitness Certificate as per the proforma available on Haj Committee of India Website www.hajcommittee.gov.in and submit the same alongwith passport.”

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 1, 2023
36000 pilgrims performed Umrah since Sept 2022 March 2023 in J&K

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Srinagar, Apr 01: At least 36000 from Jammu & Kashmir performed Umrah since September 2022 till this Ramadan, indicating 50 per cent increase of pilgrims compared to last year in the Union Territory, J&K Association of Haj & Umrah Companies (JKAHUC) said on Saturday.
General Secretary of the association, Muhammad Younis Bhat while talking exclusively to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the tour operations have suffered a loss of Rs 5-6 lakh each this Ramadan as they were expecting a huge flow of pilgrims for Umrah in this holy month.
“However, the rush of pilgrims remained less, especially due to the March session for students announced by the government. The tour operators had already booked the blocks of airlines in advance, but as the rush was not up to the expectations, the bookings had to be cancelled and thus lead to the losses of Rs 5-6 lakh each to the tour operators,” he said.
He added that at least 36,000 people from across J&K performed Umrah since September 2022 till this Ramadan while 34000 among them are from Kashmir division, adding that the number of pilgrims has increased nearly 50 per cent compared to last year.
The General Secretary further stated that earlier there was only one airline, Air India, available for the pilgrims, but the association played a key role in ensuring an increase in the number of airlines and now three airlines including Air India, Indigo and Spicejet are available for the pilgrims.
During the winters, the tour operators were facing losses, but this year, there has been rescheduling of the flight operations as the flights are connected unlike previous years, he said, adding that the Indigo earned highest amongst the three.
However, he appealed to the airlines to drop the pilgrims at Terminal 3 where the people from J&K get facilities.
Besides, the association also demanded immigration point at Srinagar international airport, saying that the process should be completed for pilgrims at Srinagar airport.

Reacting to the chaos over package for Umrah, he said that the main reason behind such an issue is the lack of coordination between the people and the tour operators, adding that the people have been demanding the cheapest package, thus the tour operators couldn’t manage things with just a meagre amount. “There are three types of packages with tour operators made available at the association level, but people have been seeking cheapest packages, which becomes very difficult for a tour operator to manage the things and ensure proper arrangements for the pilgrim. The pilgrim should check each and everything while fixing the package and the tour operator too should make the things clear to the pilgrim so that there is no confusion among them,” he said.
He further said that three packages are available, which include for 15 days, 21-22 days and one month, adding that most of the pilgrims opt for 21-22 days package.
About the upcoming Haj, the General Secretary of JKAHUC, said that the pilgrims must check the past history of the tour operators before fixing the package. He also said that there would be no increase in the amount payable for Hajj this year and the lowest package for a pilgrim will be Rs 6,50,000 like last year.
Asked about the video of Hajis that went viral after they faced issues in Saudi, he said that there was no fault of the tour operators here, but it was because of the hotel that they faced hardships.
Moreover, he said that the pilgrims going for Umrah should prepare themselves for a 5-6 day stay at Madina as the erstwhile trend of staying for 40 prayers will come to an end as the rates have increased manifold.
The General Secretary further appealed people not to go after the low package and ensure proper check of facilities being provided to him/her while discussing the package.
“The pilgrims should be ready to accept the orders being issued by Saudi Arabia. The norms in Saudi are to be followed and people should be aware about it. They should be aware about economic class and deluxe class packages,” he said and appealed to the tour operators to make things clear to the Hajis and ensure proper signature of the pilgrims while divulging the details.
Pilgrims are advised to attend orientation programmes to get aware about the facts, he said, adding that the people from Kashmir staying in Saudi Arabia should not add fuel to any situation, especially when there is any misunderstanding or any issue is taking place with the pilgrims.
He further said that the association has ensured accountability. “The cheating issues have taken place in the past, but we have been ensuring accountability. If there is any such complaint, the matter is being investigated thoroughly. There is no such case in the past three-four years, because the association has been playing key role and the people should meet us in case of any such complaint,” he said—(KNO)
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( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

April 1, 2023
Provisionally selected Haj pilgrims to deposit advance of Rs. 81, 800 upto April 07

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Srinagar, April 1: The Executive Officer, J&K Haj Committee today issued a communique stating that as per circular received from Haj Committee of India, all the Provisionally selected pilgrim are requested to deposit Advance of Rs. 81,800 each upto 7th April, 2023 positively.
Payments can be made either Online through www.hajcommittee.gov.in or in Haj Committee of India account maintained with SBI or account maintained with UBI through any branch having core Banking System by using unique Bank Reference Number in the Specified Pay – in slip on the website.
“In Addition, the Pilgrims of Kashmir Division are also advised to deposit a hard copy of Pay – In – Slip along the original passport at Haj House, Bemina, Srinagar by or before April 10, 2023”, reads the notification.
The notification also states that the Provisionally Selected Pilgrims of Jammu Division Shall deposit the aforesaid documents in their respective Deputy Commissioners Offices by or before April 08, 2023 so as to reach Haj Committee by or before April 10, 2023.
“Besides above, all the selected pilgrims are advised to obtain the Medical Screening and Fitness Certificate as per the proforma available on Haj Committee of India Website www.hajcommittee.gov.in and submit the same alongwith passport.”(GNS)
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( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

April 1, 2023
Haj 2023: 3690 pilgrims selected from Telangana

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Hyderabad: The Haj Committee organized a draw of lots in New Delhi on Friday to select pilgrims from all over the country. 3,690 pilgrims from Telangana reserved categories, including the general category, were selected through a draw of lots on Friday. The state has been allotted a quota of 3,743 pilgrims for Haj 2023.
According to Chairman Telangana Haj Committee Mohammed Saleem, 8659 applications were submitted from Telangana and 8104 pilgrims were included in the draw of lots. In the reserved category of 70 years of age, 479 and 76 women without mahram were selected without draw of lots. It to be noted that, as many as 4,314 Indian women are set to perform Haj without ‘Mehram (male companion)’ this year, the largest since the reform in 2018 which did away with the compulsion of a male companion with women on the pilgrimage, officials said.
The Haj quota is allotted according to the Muslim population in the states. 852 pilgrims were selected from Hyderabad. Those above 70 years of age category includes 278 pilgrims and 47 women without mahram. While 527 pilgrims from the general category were selected through a draw of lots.
Among the selected pilgrims from other districts, Adilabad 110, Kotagudem 26, Hanamkonda 88, Jagtial 72, Jangaon 20, Bhopalpalli 6, Gadwal 135, Kamareddy 87, Karimnagar 105, Asifabad 48, Mahbubnagar 137, Mahbubabad 16, Mancherial 44, Medak 49 Medchal 283, Nagar Kurnool 20, Nalgonda 135, Narayanpet 47, Nirmal 138, Nizamabad 394, Peddapalli57, Rangareddy 373, Sangareddy 238, Siddipet 61, Suryapet 33, Vikarabad 67, Vanparti 43, Warangal 100 and Bhongir 23. Not a single pilgrim was selected in Mulg and Sirsilla because applications were not filed from there.
In a first, the Minority Affairs Ministry has also made comprehensive arrangements for the health of the Haj pilgrims with health desks at airports and medical screening by government doctors.
With a view to ensure quality health support to pilgrims, the Ministry of Minority Affairs is collaborating with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for comprehensive health arrangements for pilgrims planning to visit Makkah.
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 1, 2023
10,000 Pilgrims From JK To Perform Hajj This Year

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SRINAGAR: Nearly 10,000 people from Jammu and Kashmir will perform the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj this year as the draw of lots were held Friday, officials said on Friday.
They said that 1320 people, above 70-years of age and 132 women who had applied without mahram, will also perform the Hajj 2023.
Hajj Executive Officer, Abdul Salam Mir said that a total of 14271 applications had been received for Hajj-2023.
“For the first time, women without Mahram have been allowed to go for the pilgrimage. 132 female applicants without mahram have been selected this year. 1320 people who are above 70 years of age have also been selected under Reserved Category,” Mir said.
He said that 14,000 applications were received for Haj 2023 from the people of JK. Earlier, Saudi government had barred the intending pilgrims above 70 years age in view of the Covid pandemic in year 2020 and 2021. However, the Saudi government recently announced that pilgrims above 70 years of age will be given priority and for the first time the Saudi government also allowed female pilgrims without mahram to perform the holy pilgrimage of Hajj.
“The draw of lots through random digital selection was held on Friday after 3:00 pm,” he said.
“The list of successful Intending Haj Pilgrims shall be published next day (Saturday) besides uploading the same on the official website of J&K Hajj Committee www.jkshc.org,” said an official communique from the Haj house J&K.
This year, there will be 25 embankment points for the pilgrims across J&K. The J&K House has been helpful to many pilgrims in getting their passport verification one at the earliest. Haj house officials will facilitate the pilgrims from J&K by all means. Pertinently, in February this year, the Saudi government announced to bar children below 12 years of for performing the Haj 2023. Haj Committee of India (HCoI) in its official communique had stated that Saudi Government has decided to disallow the children below 12 years of age in a bid to ensure their safety. This year, HCoI after holding deliberations with the Saudi government, had made Haj application forms available online free of cost. The HCoI had also announced that this year Haj will be cheaper by Rs 80,000 and each pilgrim will have to pay Rs 3.70 to Rs 3.80 lakh for performing the Haj pilgrimage. (KNO)

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 31, 2023
Haj-2023: Almost 10,000 pilgrims from J&K to perform Haj this year

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Srinagar, Mar 31: A close to 10,000 people from Jammu and Kashmir will perform the sacred pilgrimage of Haj as the draw of lots were held Friday, officials said Friday.
They said that 1320 people, above 70-years of age and 132 women who had applied without mahram, will also perform the Haj 2023.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Haj Executive Officer, Abdul Salam Mir said that a total of 14271 applications had been received for Hajj-2023.
“For the first time, women without Mahram have been allowed to go for the pilgrimage. 132 female applicants without mahram have been selected this year. 1320 people who are above 70 years of age have also been selected under Reserved Category,” Mir said. He said that 14,000 applications were received for Haj 2023 from the people of J&K. Earlier, Saudi government had barred the intending pilgrims above 70 years age in view of the Covid pandemic in year 2020 and 2021. However, the Saudi government recently announced that pilgrims above 70 years of age will be given priority and for the first time the Saudi government also allowed female pilgrims without mahram to perform the holy pilgrimage of Haj.
“The draw of lots through random digital selection was held on Friday after 3:00 pm,” he said. “The list of successful Intending Haj Pilgrims shall be published next day (Saturday) besides uploading the same on the official website of J&K Haj Committee www.jkshc.org,” said an official communique from the Haj house J&K.
This year, there will be 25 embankment points for the pilgrims across J&K. The J&K House has been helpful to many pilgrims in getting their passport verification one at the earliest. Haj house officials will facilitate the pilgrims from J&K by all means. Pertinently, in February this year, the Saudi government announced to bar children below 12 years of for performing the Haj 2023. Haj Committee of India (HCoI) in its official communique had stated that Saudi Government has decided to disallow the children below 12 years of age in a bid to ensure their safety. This year, HCoI after holding deliberations with the Saudi government, had made Haj application forms available online free of cost. The HCoI had also announced that this year Haj will be cheaper by Rs 80,000 and each pilgrim will have to pay Rs 3.70 to Rs 3.80 lakh for performing the Haj pilgrimage.
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#Haj2023 #pilgrims #perform #Haj #year

( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

March 31, 2023
Selection Of Haj Pilgrims To Be Conducted On March 31

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SRINAGAR: JK Haj Committee on Wednesday issued a communique for the information of all the intending Haj Pilgrims of 2023, stating that Haj Committee of India, Mumbai shall conduct selection of Haj Pilgrims for Haj 2023 through Draw of Lots (Random Digital Selection) throughout India on 31st March 2023 from 3 pm onwards.
The list of successful Intending Haj Pilgrims shall be published next day besides uploading the same on the official website of JK Haj Committee www.jkshc.org.

Previous articleCAG Picks Holes In Implementation Of SBM Scheme In JK

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 30, 2023
20 Dead,Dozens Injured After Bus Carrying Pilgrims To Mecca Bursts Into Flames

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SRINAGAR: At least 20 Umrah pilgrims were killed and 29 injured after a bus crashed in southwest of Saudi Arabia and burst into flames on Monday, Dubai-based Gulf News reported.
The passenger bus crashed into a bridge after the vehicle’s breaks failed, overturned, and caught fire, killing 20 and injuring 29.
The victims were on their way to Mecca to perform Umrah.
Teams from the Red Crescent Authority and Saudi civil defence arrived quickly at the scene of the accident and roped off the area, reported Gulf News. The injured have been taken to local medical facilities for treatment.

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 28, 2023