Haj 2011: Those above 70 years of age exempted from Qurrah

Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, April 7: Those above 70 years are exempted from the mandatory "Qurrah" or draw of lots to select pilgrims for the ensuing Haj season 2011. All the applicants above 70 years of age will automatically be selected to perform Haj. They can take a companion 
with them.
According to Syed Kaleeluddin Ahmed, chairman of the State Haj Committee, the Union Ministry of External Affairs has fixed quota for senior citizens (above 70 years). Their seats are confirmed by the Central Haj Committee following a directive by the Union 
Ministry of External Affairs.
All such pilgrims under the reserved category should submit copies of their valid international passports, without which their applications will not be accepted, he said.
Syed Kaleeluddin appealed to all the intending pilgrims of 70 years and above to avail of the  facility. The name of the companion will have to be mentioned on the Haj application forms in a given format with the official seal of the State Haj Committee.
This application form should have to be signed by the applicant and counter-signed by the executive officer of the Haj Committee.
He said the applicants rejected during Haj 2010 due to PNR issues will now be confirmed. All those, whose applications could not be considered in the last three years, will also be considered this time.
All applicants under reserved categories must submit the passport copies along with their 
applications before April 30.