Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 18: A two-day meeting of High Powered Central Committee constituted by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India to review the functioning of the Hajj Committee of India and State and Union Territory Hajj Committees was held at SKICC today.
The committee was represented by the J&K State Hajj Committee members including MLCs, Jehangir Mir, Ghulam Nabi Monga, Dr. Shahnaz Ganai, Ex MLA, Haji Nisar Ali, Imam-wa-Khateeb, Jamia Ziyarat Aliya Syed Sahib, Sonwar Srinagar, Maulana Akhzar Hussain, President Auqaf Committee, Achbal, Anantnag, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Imam-wa-Khateeb, Jamia Miliya Doda, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardi, Ex President Bar Association, Pulwama, Abdul Gani Dar, Secretary Revenue, J&K SHC and Chief Executive Officer J&K State Hajj Committee.
The representatives of J&K State Hajj Committee made suggestions and recommendation during the meet.
The committee asked for enhanced fund allocation to meet the administrative expenses of the committee on account of processing, handling and supporting charges which the committee maintained is the only permanent source of income of the State Hajj Committee.
The Committee also asked for release of more funds for construction and maintenance of the Bemina Hajj House Complex and upgradation of infrastructure.
The J&K State Hajj Committee recommended that alongwith green category, a super category may also be introduced to provide super class facilities to pilgrims who are ready to pay for it. Besides the committee sought representation in Building Selection Committee so that pilgrims of state are provided suitable accommodations who often complain of poor accommodation in disadvantageous locations.
The Committee also sought recognition for Khudam-ul-Hajj who are being deputed for guidance of pilgrims from the staff of Indian Hajj Mission. The committee also recommended transportation and telephone allowance for the Khudam who have to incur huge amount on transportation and telephone during the course of their duty. It also suggested deputation of female Khudam to cater to female pilgrims.
The Chairman, High Powered Committee, Justice (Retd) Bilal Nazki while addressing the meeting said that since Jammu and Kashmir is the largest contributor to the Indian hajj contingent the State Hajj Committee’s suggestions recommendation would go a long way in redressing the pilgrims’ complaints.
Follow our WhatsApp channel