Hajj likely to become costlier this year

Hyderabad: Hajj aspirants may have to shell out extra money this year as the airfare for Hajj pilgrimage is likely to increase by around 20 per cent this year, as expected by the officials of the Hajj Committee of India.

According to a report published in Times of India, Hajj Committee of India chief executive officer, Ata-ur-Rahman, said that the rise in airfare is on account of the gradual phasing out of the Hajj subsidy as ordered by the Supreme Court. CEO said that a rise by atleast Rs 15000 in airfare is expected.

According to Telangana State Hajj Committee (TSHC) sources while the airfare last year was Rs. 56,000, it is likely to go up by around Rs. 71,000, due to phased doing away of subsidy.

The impact of the hike in airfare will be felt on the total Hajj package which was Rs. 2,20,550 for green category accommodation and Rs. 1,86,850 for Azizia category accommodation last year.

Meanwhile, the selected pilgrims of Telangana are instructed to deposit the first Hajj installment of Rs. 81,000 in the account of the Hajj Committee of India on or before April 5. They have been asked to submit bank challan receipts and original passports, photographs and medical screening and fitness certificates to the TSHC.