KL Report
Srinagar
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who is also Chairman of the State Hajj Committee Thursday announced about Rs. 50 lakh grant to the Hajj Committee for providing free influenza vaccination to the Hajjis performing Hajj-2013.
Reviewing the arrangements for Hajj-2013 at a meeting of the reconstituted Hajj Committee, Omar said that all Hajjis performing Hajj this year should be given free influenza vaccination. The State Health Department would make necessary arrangements in this regard.
It may be mentioned that Government of India had recommended for vaccinating Hajj aspirants against influenza. The cost of each doze of influenza vaccine is over Rs. 600 and it was to be borne by the Hajjis themselves. Now, by the announcement of the Chief Minister it will be free of cost to Hajjis.
The Chief Minister while receiving the PowerPoint presentation made by CEO Hajj Committee, Fayaz Ahmad Lone on various aspects of arrangements put in place for smooth conduct of Hajj-2013, underscored the need for ensuring all facilities to the Hajj aspirants. He gave directions for befitting facilities for transportation, stay, departure and arrival of the Hajjis.
It was stated in the meeting that for the Hajj-2013 State Government has been allotted 8819 seats and no reduction has been made on the allotment due to the persuasion of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah at the Central level. In fact, this year the State Government received more 71 seats as against the last year’s quota of 8748. Besides this the private operators will have their separate quota.
