after undertaking a draw of lots to select 719 aspirants for Haj pilgrimage out of 6889 applicants. The Delhi Power Minister, Haroon Yusuf, was also present on this occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Dr. Walia said that holy Haj pilgrimage is considered to be a dream of every member of the Muslim community. The government will try to ensure that maximum number of the members of the community could avail this auspicious opportunity. He said that the government has given its green signal to those 255 applicants who have been applying for the last three years consecutively. Further 447 aspirants have also been given green signal as they are over 70 years of age.
In addition to this those five applicants have also been selected who could not perform Haj last year due to certain technical difficulties despite being selected. Dr. Walia selected 719 aspirants in a computerized draw of lots. He stated that 1222 seats were allocated to Delhi State Haj Committee for Haj 2011 whereas 204 seats were added by Haj Committee of India out of surrendered seats by other states. The Revenue Minister added that Delhi State Haj Committee will provide all possible help to all Haj pilgrims.
Dr. Walia also said that the city government has been implementing a number of schemes for development of minorities. The government has always been providing usual courtesy to Haj pilgrims.
Mr Yusuf, while addressing the gathering, said that the city government and the Union Government both have been trying hard to accommodate maximum number of Haj pilgrims for Haj 2011. He expressed confidence that Dr. Walia as Revenue Minister and In-charge of Haj Committee, Urs Committee and Delhi Wakf Board will be able to streamline the functioning to benefit large number of members of the Muslim community. The two ministers also congratulated the selected aspirants and wished for their successful pilgrimage. They further exhorted the Hajis to pray for the peace, prosperity, unity, brotherhood and communal harmony in India. A large number of applicants along with their friends and relatives were also present on this occasion.