All Overseas | No draw of tons, all Hajj-2024 candidates from J&Okay safe spots

Srinagar, Jan 15: In a exceptional departure from custom, the annual Hajj pilgrimage in 2024 from Jammu and Kashmir will see no draw of tons as all candidates can be chosen mechanically.

This unprecedented transfer comes because the variety of Hajj aspirants falls beneath the overall seats allotted by the Centre for J&Okay.

Historically, J&Okay confronted the problem of accommodating two occasions extra aspirants than the accessible seats, necessitating a draw of tons.

Nevertheless, in a notable twist, the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage season will witness no such draw, because the variety of candidates stands at a mere 7800, whereas the allotted seats for Jammu and Kashmir exceed a considerable 11,000.

Within the yr 2023, J&Okay witnessed a surge in Hajj functions, with the quantity hovering above 14,500.

Of this substantial determine, roughly 12,000 people efficiently launched into the sacred pilgrimage and have been chosen after the draw of tons.

Chatting with Larger Kashmir, Government Officer J&Okay Hajj Committee, Shujat Ahmad Qureshi make clear the unprecedented circumstances surrounding this yr’s Hajj pilgrimage.

“Regardless of an allotted quota of 9500 seats and a further 2000 seats, making the overall allotment 11,500, the variety of functions acquired stands at a mere 7800 until January 15 which is the final date for submission of functions. This imbalance implies that for the primary time, all candidates can be accommodated with out the necessity for a draw of tons, marking a particular departure from earlier practices,” he mentioned.

Qureshi disclosed that the primary flight for the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024 is scheduled to depart from the Srinagar embarkation level on Might 9.

Notably, final yr, 12,052 people undertook the sacred journey from the identical embarkation level.

When probed in regards to the decline in functions, the Government Officer attributed it primarily to monetary constraints, citing the escalating value of the Hajj pilgrimage as a major deterrent.

Final yr, Hajj pilgrims departing from the Srinagar embarkation level have been required to pay Rs 4.13 lakh per particular person, representing a notable enhance from earlier years.

Qureshi mentioned that the ultimate fee for this yr’s pilgrimage is but to be introduced, pending the conclusion of tenders for air tickets and different related actions.

The Indian authorities just lately signed a Bilateral Hajj Settlement for the yr 2024 with Saudi Arabia, marking a major growth within the facilitation of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The settlement units a complete quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India for Hajj 2024, with 1,40,020 seats reserved for the Hajj Committee of India and 35,005 for Hajj Group Operators.

The settlement additionally appreciates and helps the initiative of the Indian authorities to encourage the participation of ladies pilgrims with no Mehram (male companion).

The established Hajj coverage granted particular consideration to sure teams.

Particularly, candidates aged above 70 and ladies with no Mehram (male guardian) have been accorded first choice, exempting them from the draw of tons.