Minister seeks hike in State Haj quota

He also called for the VIP quota and private operators quota to be removed as it was being abused by MPs and legislators. Khan said that VIPs were making use of the provision to arrange Haj trips under the quota only for their relatives, friends and not for those who genuinely deserve it.

Hewas speaking at the inauguration of the Haj camp in Bangalore on Friday. He said preference should be given to the aged. Khan also said nearly half the pilgrims were women and he was responsible for the appointment of two women on the Haj Committee in the state for the first time. He said despite threats and strong opposition from certain members of the muslim community, the two women members were appointed to take care of the needs of women.

Union Minister for State for Railways, K H Muniyappa said that the Haj pilgrims must pray for the peaceful co-existence of the different faiths in India.

Of the total 1.5 lakh pilgrims from all over India, nearly 6,500 are from the State. Over 700 people from Mangalore and 800 pilgrims from Hyderabad Karnataka have already left for Haj from the state.