Communalism

Seven Engineering Students Expelled From Odisha College Hostel Over Allegations Of Cooking Beef; Locals Allege ‘External Pressure’

By Fathima Kulsum

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On September 19, 2024

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The Hajj Committee of India has asked all pilgrims travelling for Hajj 2026 to deposit an additional ₹10,000 due to a rise in airfare costs. In an official circular issued on April 28, the committee said the increase comes after a one-time fare revision approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The hike includes an additional $100 (around ₹10,000) per pilgrim and will apply to all embarkation points across the country. Officials said the decision was taken after airlines cited a sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Airlines Had Sought Higher Increase According to officials, airlines had initially demanded a fare hike of over $400 per passenger due to rising operational costs. However, after discussions, authorities approved only a partial increase, passing on a smaller burden to pilgrims. All selected pilgrims have been directed to deposit the additional amount by May 15, 2026. Payments can be made through the official Hajj portal, the Hajj Suvidha app, or through designated bank branches such as State Bank of India and Union Bank of India. State Hajj Committees have been instructed to inform pilgrims and ensure compliance within the deadline. Over 1.75 Lakh Pilgrims to Travel This Year This year, around 1,75,025 pilgrims from India are expected to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. With the additional ₹10,000 charge, the total financial impact on pilgrims is estimated to be nearly ₹175 crore. The pilgrimage process has already begun, with the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departing from Srinagar on April 18. Owaisi Criticises Move, Calls It “Exploitation” Reacting to the decision, Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised the additional charge and demanded that the circular be withdrawn. “The Haj Committee is demanding an additional ₹10,000 from Haj pilgrims as ‘differential airfare’. This is despite collecting ₹90,844 per pilgrim earlier from Mumbai embarkation point. This is almost double the prevalent rates for individual travellers,” he said. Owaisi questioned whether pilgrims were being penalised for choosing the official route. “Most pilgrims are not wealthy; they save money for years to go for Hajj. This is not a luxury for them. This is just exploitation and nothing else,” he added, urging authorities to refund the extra amount.

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Communalism

Seven Engineering Students Expelled From Odisha College Hostel Over Allegations Of Cooking Beef; Locals Allege ‘External Pressure’

Latest News

Hajj Airfare Hike Row: Congress Slams Govt, Centre Defends Rs 10,000 Increase for Pilgrims

UP: Dalit Wedding Procession Attacked in Sambhal Over Ambedkar Songs, Several Injured, FIR Against Five

‘Farming for 30 Years’: Dalit Families Claim Forced Land Takeover Near Temple in Mathura Village

Delhi Begins SIR Groundwork, Govt Staff Told to Verify Names in 2002 Voter List

‘All Freedom Depends on Press Freedom’: United Nations Urges Protection of Journalists

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