SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has received 4,691 applications for Hajj 2027, significantly lower than its expected quota of 7,981 pilgrims, following the closure of the registration process.
Quoting Executive Officer of the J&K Hajj Committee, Shujaat Ahmad, news agency GNS reported the applications include 2,566 men and 2,125 women. Among them, 24 women have applied under the Ladies Without Mahram (LWM) category, while 620 applicants are senior citizens aged over 65.
With the number of applicants falling well short of the anticipated quota, the Union Territory may not require its full allocation if the figures remain unchanged. However, the final quota will be decided by the Hajj Committee of India in accordance with the Hajj Policy.
District-wise, Srinagar recorded the highest number of applications at 1,152, followed by Baramulla (595), Anantnag (420), Budgam (404), Pulwama (361), Kupwara (323) and Kulgam (265).
In the Jammu division, Rajouri topped the list with 174 applications, followed by Jammu (106), Poonch (101), Doda (85), Ramban (54), Udhampur (50), Samba (46), Reasi (38), Kathua (36) and Kishtwar (35).
Ahmad said the Hajj Committee of India will scrutinise all applications before initiating the next stages of the Hajj selection process in line with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Nationally, the Hajj Committee of India has received 2,01,725 applications after the close of registrations. Gujarat recorded the highest number with 31,755 applications, followed by Maharashtra (28,372), Kerala (24,500), Uttar Pradesh (22,623), Karnataka (17,939), Tamil Nadu (14,124), Telangana (12,021) and Madhya Pradesh (10,141).
The quota for Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) is yet to be announced. The Ministry of Minority Affairs will notify the allocation under the HGO category separately.
