Question : HAJ QUOTA

(a) the State-wise details of the quota allotted for Haj pilgrims during the last three years;

(b) the number of pilgrims who performed Haj pilgrimage during this period;

(c) whether a large number of persons could not perform Haj due to limited Haj quota;

(d) if so, the details in this regard and the steps taken to increase the quota;

(e) whether the Haj quota for the year 2009 has been increased;

(f) if so, the details thereof including the number of seats increased as compared to last year; and

(g) if not, the reasons therefore?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SHRI SHASHI THAROOR)

(a) The details of State-wise quota allotted for Haj pilgrims during the last three years through the Haj Committee of India are enclosed at Annexure-I. In addition, about one-third of the pilgrims also travel through Private Tour Operators.

(b) The details about the number of pilgrims who proceeded on Haj pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India during this period are enclosed at Annexure ‘II’.

(c) to (g) In so far as the Haj quota is concerned, this is allotted by the Saudi Government on the basis of Muslim population in India. The quota is subsequently divided among various states on the basis of Muslim population as per 2001 census. In view of the large number of applications for performing Haj, Government continues to make demarche with the Saudi Government to enhance the quota for India and make additional allocation.