SRINAGAR, AUGUST 5: Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti Friday chaired a high-level meeting here to review the arrangements put in place by the State Hajj Committee and various state and central government departments for the smooth conduct of Hajj-2016.
Ms Mehbooba Mufti was earlier unanimously elected as the new Chairperson of the J&K State Hajj Committee.
Following her election as the Chairperson, the Chief Minister nominated Minister of State for Hajj & Auqaf, Syed Farooq Andrabi as the Vice-Chairperson of the State Hajj Committee.
Immediately, after her nomination as the Chairperson of the State Hajj Committee, Ms Mehbooba received comprehensive brief, at a joint meeting of the members of the SHC and top officers of the civil and police administration, on the arrangements made for Hajj-2016.
She emphasized on ensuring all the requisite facilities for the pilgrims to and fro as also during their stay in Saudi Arabia. She said all agencies responsible for the conduct of Hajj-2016 should work in close coordination to render best services to the pilgrims.
While receiving detailed appraisal, the Chief Minister was informed that over 32,000 applications for Hajj 2016 were received this year. As on date 6457 seats have been allotted to the State under various categories.
The Hajj flights from Srinagar to Madina Munnawarrah shall commence from 10 August upto 19 August 2016. A total number of 20 flights with two flights per day, one at 9 am and another at 2:30 pm will operate during these days and each flight will carry 340 pilgrims. For receiving foreign exchange (Saudi Riyal), State Bank of India shall establish a counter at a designated space in Srinagar Airport, besides special counters for additional foreign exchange facility shall be established by J&K Bank, SBI and HDFC Bank.
The Chief Minister was further informed that adequate arrangements for boarding and lodging of pilgrims from distant areas have been made at Hajj House, Srinagar. Besides, the JKTDC has also been requested to keep accommodation arrangements ready in case of any additional requirement. Further around 20 SRTC buses/vehicles have been reserved for transportation of pilgrims and their luggage, to the Srinagar International Airport. Besides, SRTC buses shall also be made available at each district headquarter in Kashmir to ferry pilgrims from their respective districts to the Hajj House, Srinagar.
