Prologue
The Andhra Pradesh State Haj committee is constituted by an Act of Parliament called “Haj Committee Act -2002 (Central Act No.35 of 2002). Haj Committee is constituted for making arrangements for the pilgrimage of Muslims for Haj. It discharges its function through a committee constituted by Government and it follows the guidelines and directions issued by Central Haj Committee, Mumbai, Ministry of external affairs and Government of Andhra Pradesh from time to time.
The main aim of theAndhra Pradesh State Haj Committee is to provide assistance to the Haj Pilgrims including in the matter of their transport between their home states and the point of exit from India and their transit accommodation at points of exit.
The Andhra Pradesh State Haj Committee makes smooth arrangements for the Muslim intending Haj Pilgrims right from the processing of Haj application form, impart Haj training camps, arranged Meningitis Vaccine, provides Haj Guide books in Urdu and Telugu languages, and makes arrangements of departure and arrival i.e. Haj Camp Embarkation Point etc from the point of exit to Saudi Arabia and returning from Saudi Arabia and other welfare activities of the Haj Pilgrims.
The Andhra Pradesh State Haj Committee discharges its function through a committee constituted by Government and it follows the guidelines and directions issued by Central Haj Committee, Mumbai, and Ministry of external affairs and Government ofAndhra Pradesh from time to time.
The Dy. Secretary to Government shall act as its Executive Officer as laid in Haj Committee Act-2002 (Central Act No. 35 of 2002). The Executive Officer shall execute the decision of the State Haj Committee and perform such duties as laid in the above said Act. The Committee shall have (16) Members including Executive Officer who shall be Ex-officio Member & Convener of the Committee.
The following are the function and duties of Haj committee: –
To collect and disseminate information useful to the pilgrims, and to arrange orientation training programs for pilgrims.To advise and assists pilgrims during their stay at Embarkation Point in Hyderabad while proceeding to or Returning from Pilgrimage in all matters including vaccination inoculation, issue of pilgrim passes and foreign exchange and also to liaison with local authorities concerned. To give relief to pilgrims in distress. To execute the annual Haj Plan approved by Central Haj Committee and Government including the arrangements of travel by Air. To co-ordinate with Government of Andhra Pradesh, Central Government, Central Haj Committee, Airways for a purpose of securing traveling facilities for pilgrims.To look after welfare of pilgrims. To prepare the budget estimate of the committee and submit it to state government for approval. Supply of food to Haj Pilgrims free of cost during Haj Camp i.e. at the time of departure for Haj Pilgrim before 48 hours. Arrangement for transport for Haji from Embarkation point i.e. Haj House, building to Hyderabad Airport. Set up of international Passport Counter for intending Haj Pilgrims. Selection of building units (Accommodation) in K.S.A for Haj Pilgrims. To discharge such other duties in connection with Haj as may be directed by central Haj committee and government of India and Government of Andhra Pradesh from time to time.
The duties of the Haj Committee shall be to collect and disseminate information useful to pilgrims, and to arrange orientation and training programmes for pilgrims.
➢ To advise and assist pilgrims during their stay at the embarkation point in India, while proceeding to or returning from pilgrimage, in all matters including vaccination, inoculation, medical inspection, issue of pilgrim passes and foreign exchange, and to liaise with the local authorities concerned in such matters.
➢ To give relief to pilgrims in distress.
➢ To finalise the annual Haj plan with the approval of Central Haj Committee and execute the plan, including the arrangements for travel by air or any other means, and to advice in matters relating to accommodation.
➢ To coordinate with the Central Haj Committee, Mumbai, State Government, Railways, Airways for the purpose of securing travelling facilities for pilgrims.
➢ To generally look after the welfare of the pilgrims.
➢ To discharge such other duties in connection with the Haj as may be prescribed by the Central Haj Committee.
➢ It shall be the duty of the State Haj Committee to implement the policy and directions of the Committee in the interest of Haj pilgrims.
➢ The State Haj Committee Shall provide assistance to the Haj Pilgrims including in the matter of their transport between their homes states and the point of exit from India and their transit accommodation at points of exit.
➢ The State Haj Committee shall discharge such other duties in connection with Haj as may be prescribed by the State Government concerned, in consultation with the Central Haj Committee.