Latest news with #TelanganaHajCommittee
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Uttam flags off Haj pilgrims for holy journey to Mecca
Hyderabad: Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy reaffirmed the Congress government's unwavering commitment to secularism and protection of minority rights. He was addressing a gathering at Haj House while flagging off a convoy of Haj pilgrims leaving for the holy journey to Mecca on Tuesday night. Uttam Kumar Reddy said that no nation can truly progress without ensuring equal opportunities for all its citizens, especially religious minorities. 'A society that neglects its minorities cannot claim to be democratic or just. Economic empowerment, educational access, and social inclusion are the pillars of true development,' he said. The Minister cautioned against the growing threat of communalism in India, stating that the nation's secular fabric must be safeguarded now more than ever. 'We are at a crossroads where communal narratives are being promoted for short-term political gains. This not only weakens national unity but also threatens the very foundations on which our Constitution stands,' he warned. Reflecting on the inclusive approach of the Congress government in Telangana, Uttam said the Congress government had taken unprecedented steps to empower minorities. 'We've allocated Rs 3,591 crore for minority welfare in this year's budget – the highest in the state's history. Of this, Rs 840 crore has been earmarked under the 'Rajiv Yuva Vikasam' initiative to support jobless minority youth through skill development and employment assistance,' he noted. The Minister also underlined the change in atmosphere since Congress came to power. 'Today, there is a palpable sense of safety and dignity among minorities. Our government is committed to creating an environment where no one has to live in fear because of their identity or beliefs,' he said. Uttam Kumar Reddy appealed to the Haj pilgrims to pray for the prosperity, peace, and unity of the country, especially for Telangana. 'As you embark on this sacred journey, carry with you the hopes of millions. Pray for communal harmony, economic progress, and social justice – not just for yourselves but for every Indian,' he urged. The event was also attended by Telangana Haj Committee Chairman Khusro Pasha Biyabani, Wakf Board Chairman Syed Azmatullah Hussaini, and several prominent religious and community leaders. They joined the Minister in extending warm wishes and blessings to the departing pilgrims.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy thanks Haj pilgrims, promises support for development
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday (May 16) expressed gratitude to Haj pilgrims leaving from the State, 'for going to the House of God to pray for the country', even as he announced a 'rubaat' in Mamidipally, from where they would leave for the pilgrimage in the future. Mr. Reddy was speaking at the Haj House where he flagged off a batch of pilgrims bound for Saudi Arabia. He assured that budgetary constraints were not an issue for the 'rubaat'. The facility would be constructed around 5 km from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, he said. He reiterated that 6,000 pilgrims from Telangana were undertaking the pilgrimage this year. 'Allah has chosen you for this sacred journey,' he said, noting that pilgrims from 17 States were travelling from Hyderabad. Reaffirming his government's commitment to inclusive development, Mr. Reddy emphasised plans for the comprehensive development of the Old City, which he referred to as the 'Original City.' He underscored the Telangana government's commitment to infrastructure improvement in that area for projects such as metro rail, flyovers, and road. 'This government was made with your support. Whatever is required for you, we will not back down,' he said. Mr Reddy also encouraged Muslims and other minority communities to apply for government housing and financial assistance schemes, acknowledging the socio-economic challenges many Muslims continue to face. Addressing the vacant, cold shell Waqf Garden View Mall, constructed over 13 years ago, Mr. Reddy directed officials to prepare estimates for strengthening the structure. He also asked them to study the feasibility of putting the property to good use. Hyderabad parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi, who also addressed the gathering, urged pilgrims to be kind to their parents, especially mothers. Highlighting the spiritual and emotional aspects of haj. He also commented on the tensions between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. 'It seems the neighbouring country will not straighten its tail. Please pray that it does. If not, we will have to do something about them,' he said. Telangana Haj Committee Chairman Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani noted that all logistical and hospitality arrangements for pilgrims were made well in advance. He thanked the CM for responding to representations made by the committee. Among the improvements, he said, was a reduction in the pilgrim-to-inspector ratio from 300:1 to 150:1. He added that, unlike in the past, Haj inspectors, who were previously known as khadim-ul-hujjaj, would remain with their respective groups for the entire duration of the pilgrimage. Advisor to the Telangana Government for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Ali Shabbir, spoke about the State's caste survey, the issue of Muslim reservations, and the need for increased financial allocations for minority development.
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.
