Hajj 2023: 9,270 Keralites selected for pilgrimage

NEW DELHI: 9,270 people have been selected from Kerala in the draw for Hajj applicants through the state hajj committees. 5,033 people (2,248 covers) got a chance from the general category in the draw held in Delhi under the leadership of the Union Ministry of Minorities. 1,430 persons (698 covers) above 70 years of age and their helpers and 2,807 persons (966 covers) in the category of women without mehrum (above 45 years of age) have been given the opportunity without drawing lots. 19,531 people applied through the state Hajj committee. There are 15,270 applicants in the general category. Pilgrims are also hoping to get a share in states where applications are less.

This time the lottery was conducted directly by the Ministry of Minorities through the National Informatics Centre instead of the method of drawing through the states led by the Central Hajj House in Mumbai. Central Hajj Committee Chairman A.P. Abdullakutty said that this was done to avoid complaints related to Hajj selections. Also due to confusion in the draw there was a delay in getting the exact number of people selected for hajj.