SC allows 30 pvt. operators to apply for Haj permit

New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed 30 private operators to apply for Hajj permit before the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The Centre has assured the apex court that it has extended time limit to apply for operators from May 19 to May 27.

A total quota of 36,000 seats has been allotted to Private Tour Operators for Hajj-2016. The quota in terms of PTOs’ Policy 2013-17, approved by the Supreme Court, will be distributed among qualified PTOs as per details given below:

(a) 70 percent of the Hajj 2016 PTO seats (25,200) will be allocated equally to eligible PTOs under Category-I.

(b) 30 percent of Hajj 2015 PTO seats (10,800) will be allocated to eligible PTOs under Category-II at the rate of 50 seats per qualified PTO.

The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence (ANI)