Submission of Haj passports: State urges Centre to extend time

Expressing displeasure over the delay in the issuance of passport to the pilgrims,he said: “Passports are to be issued to 27,845 Haj pilgrims this year. However,only 1,516 passports have been issued so far.”

The minister said that the special passport cell has not made computer entries of 7,575 applications received till May 31,despite the fact that all formalities have been completed.

“The system of issuing special passports,which is issued within 15 days of application without police report,should be introduced,” said Siddiqui.

He has also directed the police department to verify applications of the Haj pilgrims on priority and submit its report to the passport office at the earliest. Siddiqui has directed the Haj office to accept application forms of the pilgrims without passport.