Mir Iqbal
SRINAGAR, Aug 31: The Hajj pilgrims of Jammu and Kashmir are concerned over the devaluation of Rupee as they fear that they might have to pay some extra money for the Hajj.
The pilgrims scheduled to leave for Holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia from next week have apprehensions that the State Hajj Committee (SHC) may ask them to deposit some extra money following devaluation of Rupee.
“We have apprehensions the SHC may ask us to deposit extra money at the time of our departure,” said Mohammad Yaqoob, a pilgrim from South Kashmir’s district Shopian.
Yaqoob said he visited the Hajj House thrice so far after the Rupee starting hitting the all time low to confirm whether they (Hajis) have to pay more money to the Hajj Committee of India (HCI).
Executive Officer, State Hajj Committee, Fayaz Ahmad Lone, said that there is no communication regarding extra money to be charged from the Hajjis following devaluation of the Rupee.
“We have not received any communication regarding hike in payment for Hajj 2013 from Central Hajj Committee, that means pilgrims need not to worry for,” Lone said.
There were apprehensions that due to devaluation of rupee -travel, food and accommodation costs might get costlier and Hajj pilgrims may have to spend extra money.
Lone said: “They deposited 2100 Saudi Riyals and it would cover their travel and stay of the Hajiis. However, the pilgrims have to take extra money with them as the value has devalued.”
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