By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net

Bhopal: The Central Haj Committee, (CHC), Mumbai is likely to increase the quota for Haj pilgrims of Madhya Pradesh this year.

The quota from Madhya Pradesh state is supposed to be enhanced this year considering the long standing demand for the same. Last year a large number of Hajj pilgrims could not undertake the holy tour despite applying for it.

According to sources the forms for Hajj are supposed to be distributed in the first week of June. The CHC has forwarded 3,000 forms as a first installment for the State. After receiving the information to this effect, the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, Bhopal has sent a letter for the additional 3,000 forms.

Last year a total number of 12,000 forms were sent to the Madhya Pradesh Hajj Committee, (MPHC), and 8,000 forms were sent back. Only 3,742 applicants were shortlisted for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Approximately 5,000 persons missed the Haj pilgrimage due to CHC's decision to maintain the same quota for the MPHC. Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board is expecting an increase in the Hajj quota for this year.

According to Waqf Board officials efforts were also made to get the quota increased last year but without any success. This year they are making prior efforts to avoid any last minute hassles. (pervezbari@eth.net)