Latest news with #StateHajCommittee
Hans India
27-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
24th batch of Haj pilgrims flagged off
Hyderabad: The 24th batch of 295 Haj pilgrims was ceremoniously flagged off on Monday by Assembly Speaker G Prasad Kumar at the Hyderabad Embarkation Point located at Haj House, Nampally. At the farewell ceremony, he congratulated the pilgrims and extended heartfelt wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. Prasad emphasised the significance of Haj and advised the pilgrims to embrace positive transformation in their lives upon their return. 'When you sincerely ask forgiveness from Allah, He will forgive you,' he said, encouraging the gathering to seek spiritual uplift during the pilgrimage. Syed Gulam Afzal Biyabani Khusro Pasha, chairman, State Haj Committee, urged both pilgrims and designated State Haj inspectors to assist elderly pilgrims throughout the journey and to seek their blessings. He expressed joy that the pilgrims this year are fortunate to perform 'Haj Akbar', a rare and highly significant occasion in the Islamic calendar. Sajjad Ali, executive officer, State Haj Committee, welcoming the pilgrims assured them of full support for a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage. The event was marked by a spirit of devotion, unity and care, as the pilgrims prepared to embark on their sacred journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- The Hindu
Haj flight from Kochi flagged off
Two flights operated services from the Kochi airport on Friday as part of the Haj pilgrimage under the supervision of the State Haj Committee. Union Minister George Kurian flagged off the first flight. The pilgrims included 143 women and 146 men. The second flight included 140 women and 146 men, according to a release. The pilgrims reached the airport on Thursday, and they were accorded a reception by the authorities. All the passengers in the flight scheduled from Kochi airport at 8.40 p.m on Saturday (May 17, 2025) will be women. Besides Kochi, two flights had carried Haj pilgrims from Kozhikode on Friday, it said.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
U.P. govt announces new State Haj Committee
The minority welfare department of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday announced the formation of the new State Haj Committee. The new committee will consist of 13 members, including the minister of state for minority welfare, Muslim Waqf and Haj Danish Azad Ansari, and Shia Central Waqf Board chairman Ali Zaidi. As per a notice issued by principal secretary (minority welfare) Samyukta Samadwar, the term of office for the nominated members will be three years. The new State Haj Committee will also include Wali Mohammad, chairman of Municipal Council, Gopamau, Hardoi; Nadeemul Hasan, chairman of Municipal Council, Dhaura Tanda, Bareilly; Syed Ali Warsi, Muslim theologian and legal expert; Hafiz Ejaz Ahmed (Shahin Ansari), Muslim theologian and law expert; Syed Kalbe Hussain (Kabban Nawab), Muslim theologian and law expert (Shia community); Muhammad Iftekhar Hussain, social worker; Kamran Khan, social worker; Junaid Ahmed Ansari, social worker; Javed Qamar Khan, social worker; and Kamruddin (Jugnu), social worker. Speaking after his nomination to the committee, Ansari said, 'I am thankful to our leadership for giving me this opportunity. I feel it's a chance for all committee members to work tirelessly for the uplift of the community. I am sure we will deliver on the expectations of our leaders.' Though the chairman of the new State Haj Committee has not been formally announced yet, sources in the minority welfare department indicate that Ansari is most likely to be appointed for the role.
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Health
- India Gazette
Muslim women given representation in Haj Committee to put problems, suggestions before panel: CM Dhami
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 14 (ANI): The Uttarakhand government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given Muslim women a place in the State Haj Committee. This will allow them to share their concerns and suggestions directly with the committee, according to a CMO statement. According to an official statement, three Muslim women have been appointed as members, Rizwana Parveen, a councillor from Kotdwar Municipal Corporation; Tarannum Khan of Haldwani; and Shahida Siraj of Almora. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the move aims to include women's perspectives in matters related to the Hajj pilgrimage. 'Muslim women going on the Hajj pilgrimage also face many problems. By giving them representation in the Haj Committee for the first time after the formation of the state, we have ensured that they can put their problems and suggestions directly before the committee,' Dhami said. He added that the decision aligns with the government's ongoing efforts toward women's empowerment. 'The government had appointed Saira Bano as the Vice President of the State Women's Commission, working towards women's empowerment,' the Chief Minister said. The updated list of members released by the government also includes Laksar MLA Muhammad Shahzad. Other members nominated to the Haj Committee include Zeeshan Ahmed, Haseeb Ahmed, Islamuddin Ansari, Sameer Jafri, Khatib Ahmed, Mannan Raja, Haji Abrar Hussain and Haji Faim Khan. Earlier, the Uttarakhand State Haj Committee had requested the setting up of vaccination camps across the state for Haj pilgrims selected for Haj Yatra-2025, which was in line with past practice. The vaccinations include Meningococcal Meningitis, Seasonal Influenza, and OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine). According to officials, the Deputy Secretary of Minority Welfare has requested the Director General of Medical Health to take necessary further action promptly regarding the vaccination program outlined by the Hajj Committee. The Executive Officer of the State Haj Committee has instructed the Chief Medical Officers of the concerned districts to ensure that vaccines are administered in sufficient numbers, taking into account the total number of Haj pilgrims selected for vaccination at each camp. (ANI)
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Hans India
‘Fake news' cause decline in Haj pilgrim numbers this year
Hyderabad: Haj pilgrims from the State witnessed a drop in numbers this year, raising concerns. So far 2,400 have cancelled, bringing down the number to less than 7,000 from over 9,000, after getting selected by the Telangana Haj Committee. The State authorities have attributed this to the fake news spread by social media. Compared to the previous year where over 11,000 applications were received by the State Haj Committee, this year it received 9,061 applications. However 2,400 have cancelled, bringing down the number to 6,947. This has raised concerns, as the initial flights of pilgrims have already begun in April last week. 'Presently, around 2,400 have been cancelled and how many more are there we do not know. The reasons include extreme heat in Saudi Arabia, fear of getting crushed in stampede like situation, poor arrangements and increased anxiety amongst children who do not wish their parents to risk their lives,' informed official sources. In 2024, a total of 208 Indian pilgrims died as per a report from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. These include eight from Telangana. The previous year's Haj pilgrimage witnessed an unprecedented heat wave in Makkah, with temperatures soaring over 50 degrees celsius. This resulted in reported deaths of over 1,300 from pilgrims participating from different countries, mostly elderly. However, the State Haj Committee has squarely put the blame on the social media in the State, which has allegedly gone overboard in reporting the issue. It has been pointed out that the social media has created panic amongst the aspiring Hajis in the past year, which caused discouragement to those who wish to join, particularly when the aspirants are aged. This has prompted a few to spend massive amounts of money and opt for private tour operators, promising comfortable and secure service throughout the pilgrimage. 'Some of those cancelling have already paid initial installments to the committee and now they wish to get back their money. Mostly, extreme heat is cited as the reason,' said sources. However, the State Haj Committee has promised that all the arrangements are made for hitch-free pilgrimage this time. Chairman of Telangana Haj Committee Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani said that the present government was taking all the precautions this year. 'We are taking all the steps needed for the smooth pilgrimage of those leaving from Telangana and also those from neighbouring States who will be boarding the flight from Hyderabad. Different groups have been formed of Khadimul Hajjaj (volunteers), maintenance, officers. We are monitoring the situation 24x7 with proper coordination on ground. We hope that fake news is not spread this time around. Those reporting on the events in Saudi Arabia must verify the facts before airing and act more reponsibly,' said the Chairman.
