Pilgrims going on Haj, under the government quota this year, have to shell out Rs 1.61 lakh, almost Rs 43,222 more than last year. The reason for the steep hike in Haj fare this time has been attributed to the fall in the value of the rupee against the dollar. Last year, the conversion rate of rupee against Saudi Riyal was Rs 12.19, which has now shot up to Rs 15.23.
The Haj Committee of India has fixed the airfare in advance, with the balance amount to be paid by the selected pilgrims by Th-ursday. According to the newly fixed rate, pilgrims under the green category have to pay Rs 1,61,828, while those travelling under the Azizia category have to pay Rs 1,33,187. All pilgrims have paid an advance amount of Rs 51,000 to the Haj Committee as the first installment. While those under green category have to pay a balance amount of Rs 1,11,586, those in the Azizia and Rubath category have to pay Rs 82,945 and Rs 42,400 respectively. These amounts have to be paid by July 31.
Green category pilgrims will have accommodation just 1,500 metre away from the haram (the holy site in Mecca) while those in the Azizia category will get accommodation 10 to 15 km away from the haram. Those under the Rubath category will be accommodated in special guest houses built by the erstwhile Nizam exclusively for pilgrims from the erstwhile Nizam State, which is at the haram itself. Almost 500-600 pilgrims can be accommodated in Rubath for which a separate draw will be held.
Dr S. Shakir Hussain, chief executive officer of the Haj Committee of India, said that payments to the Saudi landlord or agencies have to be made in Saudi Riyals only. Hence, the cost of Haj depends on the rate of the riyal against the rupee. Airfare, which has increased from Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000 adds to 9 to 13 per cent of the hiked rate. The balance increase is due to hike in rentals for the green category (up from SAR 4,000 to SAR 4,500), Mina train facility and Mina charges, informed Dr Hussain.