The Andhra Pradesh Hajj assistance scheme has benefited 333 eligible pilgrims, with the state government providing ₹1 lakh each to those who departed from the Vijayawada embarkation point. The financial assistance was transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, fulfilling an election promise made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Andhra Pradesh Hajj Assistance Credited to 333 Pilgrims
According to State Hajj Committee Chairman Haji Shaik Hasan Basha, around 2,000 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh undertook the Hajj pilgrimage this year through the embarkation points in Vijayawada, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. All the pilgrims returned safely after completing the pilgrimage in Mecca and Medina.
The financial assistance was credited directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts under the supervision of Minority Welfare Minister N. M. D. Farooq. Beneficiaries confirmed receiving the funds and expressed gratitude to the state government. Several pilgrims said they offered prayers in the holy cities for the peace, welfare and development of Andhra Pradesh.
DBT Support Offsets Additional Hajj Travel Costs
The assistance was introduced by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government to offset the additional travel cost of about ₹68,000 incurred by pilgrims choosing the Vijayawada embarkation point. In the previous year, 72 pilgrims had received similar financial support.
The initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden on eligible Hajj pilgrims while encouraging greater access to the pilgrimage through the Vijayawada embarkation point.
State Hajj Committee Thanks Andhra Pradesh Government
Basha said the pilgrimage was completed smoothly, with State Hajj Inspectors and Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (Hajj volunteers) providing continuous assistance throughout the journey.
On behalf of the Muslim community and the State Hajj Committee, he thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, and Minority Welfare Minister N. M. D. Farooq for supporting minority welfare initiatives. The State Hajj Committee also appreciated the coordinated efforts that ensured a smooth and safe pilgrimage for all participants.
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