Minister of State for Hajj and Auqaf, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, Saturday called on Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi at Delhi and discussed the issues relating to the State’s Hajj pilgrims. The issues which were highlighted by Mr. Andrabi with the Union Minister included up-gradation of Hajj House, cluster accommodation, increasing the Hajj quota for Jammu and Kashmir and availability of sim cards for Hajj pilgrims of the Valley during the pilgrimage, funding for restoration of Hajj House infrastructure damaged due to 2014 floods.The Minister apprised the Union Minister said that the estimates on account of the damage to the extent of Rs.01.91 crore have been forwarded to Hajj Committee of India for release of special package so that the infrastructure is restored to its original decorum and glory.
Besides, Mr. Andrabi also discussed the issues related to the education, special scholarships, admissions to professional institutions and employment of Muslim youth of Jammu and Kashmir.The Union Minister gave a patient hearing to Mr. Andrabi and said that NDA Government headed by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is committed to socio-economic-educational development of poor, weaker sections, minorities of the country, including the Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Jammu and Kashmir was receiving focused attention in all fronts and development initiatives have been fast paced. The Cenrral Government has already provided a special package to the State for undertaking infrastructural development and upgradation of existing facilities. He assured to examine all the issues which were raised by Mr. Andrabi on priority and addressing these appropriately.