Haj 2018: Increase in quota, record number of pilgrims to pay obeisance

New Delhi, Jan 9: This year the number of pilgrims visiting Haj has increased to a record number of 1,75,025.

The Government has succeeded in getting India’s Haj quota increased for the consecutive second year. For the first time after the Independence, a record number of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India will go for Haj 2018, said the release.
The decision by the Saudi Arabia Government to increase India’s Haj quota for 2018 has come days after Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi signed the bilateral annual Haj 2018 agreement between India and Saudi Arabia with Haj and Umrah Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabiaat Makkah.
“Three years ago, India’s Haj quota was about 1,36,020 which has been increased during the last two years, to a record – 1,75,025. This has happened because of the growing popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and due to India’s cordial and strengthened relations with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations”, said Mr Naqvi.
He added that last year also, Saudi Arabia had increased India’s Haj quota by 35,000.
He emphasised that besides this, Saudi Arabia has also given the green signal for India’s decision to revive the option of sending Haj pilgrims through sea route also and officials from both the countries will discuss all the necessary formalities and technicalities, so that Haj pilgrimage through sea route can be started in the coming years. The Minister pointed out that about 3,55,000 applications have been received for Haj 2018. Mr Naqvi said that for the first time, Muslim women from India will go to Haj without “Mehram” (male companion). More than 1,300 women have applied to go for Haj without male “Mehram” and all of these women will be exempted from lottery system and allowed to proceed to Haj. Women above 45 years of age, who wish to go for Haj, but who do not have a male companion, are allowed to travel for Haj in groups of 4 or more women, according to the new Indian Haj policy. UNI