MARGAO: The Haj Committee Chairman Shaikh Jina while expressing his sadness over the very low number of Haj pilgrimage registrations on Friday said that some Congress leaders are responsible for the reduction of the Haj pilgrims this year.
Jina said that due to the increase in taxes by the Saudi Arabia government the rates of the pilgrimage had increased from Rs 2.62 lakh to Rs 3.75 lakh this year.
“I had spoken to Minorities Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Chief Minister of Goa and NRI Commissioner Adv Narendra Sawaikar and requested for reduction of the charges and extension of time for filing of the forms. After they intervened the charges have been reduced by Rs 45,000,” Jina informed.
“Congress has never reduced the rates for the Haj Pilgrimage. This is history and this is because of the BJP government at the Centre led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I have been assured of further reduction of the charges,” he added.
The government has given an extension till January 10 for the registration of more Haj pilgrims.
Jina informed that only 35 forms from the quota of 200 have been filled so far and has assured that if there are enough Hajis next time round they will get the embarkation point to Goa.
