This year, the number of Haj pilgrims would be doubled compared to previous years as the Government of India has allotted vacant quota of other States to Gujarat and Kerala, said an official source in the Gujarat Government.
According to the source, Gujarat is allotted a quota of 3,124 pilgrims every year. Against the limited quota, more than 51,000 applications have already been received for the current year.
“Such overwhelming response is not usual in the State. Compared to many Indian States, Muslims in Gujarat are prosperous and they show such response to visit Mecca,” said the official, adding that knowing the fact very well, the Modi Government at the Centre has rightly decided to double the quota of Muslims in Gujarat with consent from the Haj Committee.
A representation was made by the Government of Gujarat to allot vacant quota of other States to accommodate more number of Haj pilgrims from the State. “Apart from Gujarat, vacant quota has also been transferred to Kerala,” informed the official.
He further said that this is for the first time more than 6,000 pilgrims will proceed to Mecca for Haj from Gujarat. In fact, as many as 6,272 pilgrims are going for Haj from the State, he said adding that priority has been given to those above 70 years age.