Asif Iqbal
Srinagar, Jul 26 (GNS): The Hajj Committee of Jammu and Kashmir has received a total of 4,691 applications for Hajj 2027 following the closure of the registration process, leaving the number of applicants well below the Union Territory’s expected quota of 7,981 pilgrims.
Executive Officer of the J&K Hajj Committee Shujaat Ahmad told GNS that the applications comprise 2,566 male and 2,125 female pilgrims. He said 24 women have applied under the Ladies Without Mahram (LWM) category, while 620 applicants are senior citizens aged above 65 years.
The application figures indicate that the number of registrations is considerably lower than the expected quota for Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting that the entire allocation may not be required if the present figures remain unchanged. The final quota, however, will be determined by the Hajj Committee of India in accordance with the Hajj policy.
According to the Executive Officer, Srinagar recorded the highest number of applications at 1,152, followed by Baramulla with 595, Anantnag 420, Budgam 404, Pulwama 361, Kupwara 323 and Kulgam 265. In the Jammu division, Rajouri registered 174 applications, followed by Jammu 106, Poonch 101, Doda 85, Ramban 54, Udhampur 50, Samba 46, Reasi 38, Kathua 36 and Kishtwar 35.
Ahmad said the Hajj Committee of India would scrutinise all applications before initiating the subsequent stages of the Hajj 2027 selection process as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
At the national level, the Hajj Committee of India, as learnt by GNS, has received 2,01,725 applications at the closure of the registration window. Gujarat recorded the highest number with 31,755 applications, followed by Maharashtra with 28,372, Kerala 24,500, Uttar Pradesh 22,623, Karnataka 17,939, Tamil Nadu 14,124, Telangana 12,021 and Madhya Pradesh 10,141.
It is pertinent to mention here that the quota for Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) has not yet been announced and that the allotment under the HGO category will be notified separately by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. (GNS)
