Maharashtra minister seeks central study group on Haj facilities

Mumbai: Maharashtra government's Minority Development department on Monday demanded that Centre set up a study group to facilitate a smooth journey for Haj pilgrims.

"Looking at the increase in the number of pilgrims from Maharashtra, the quota should also be increased," state Minister for Minority Development, Naseem Khan, said in a statement in Mumbai.

He said this year the state government had received more than 40,000 applications. However, Maharashtra's quota was only 8,700.

"The government has already sanctioned Rs 9 crore for setting up a Haj House in Aurangabad. The land acquisition process is on, and soon the work will start," he said.

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