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Hajj 2023: VIP quota abolished, 25 embankment points to be set up across India

Pilgrims performing Tawaaf of the Kaaba. [File Photo]

Srinagar: The Hajj Committee of India (HCoI) on Monday said that this year there will be 25 Hajj embankment points while Hajj application forms will be made available after three days and there will be no fee for the same.

Member HCoI, Er Aijaz Hussain said after a crucial meeting of HCoI, it was decided that this year there will be 25 embankment points for pilgrims across the country and Hajj application forms will be made available within three days. He said that pilgrims above “70 years of age will be given top priority for the sacred journey.”

Er Aijaz also said that HCoI also announced abolishing the VIP quota under which dignitaries were entitled to accommodate five to ten pilgrims under the quota. “There will be no VIP quota henceforth,” Er Aijaz said.

Pertinently, after thorough discussions between HCoI and the Saudi Government, it was decided that this year over 1,75000 pilgrims will perform the holy pilgrimage of Hajj 2023.

Er Aijaz said that additional embankment points will help facilitate the pilgrims smoothly across the country.

On January 10, India signed a bilateral agreement with the Saudi Government to fix the total number of pilgrims this year. Er Aijaz said that HCoIs endeavour this year will be to make Hajj 2023 cheaper compared to previous years and ensure more and better facilities for pilgrims at both holy cities of Makah and Madina. (KNO)

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