J&K’s Hajj applications hit record low

Srinagar, Oct 2: In an unprecedented turn of events, Jammu and Kashmir will forgo the traditional draw of lots for Hajj pilgrims for the second year running, as application numbers have plummeted far below the allocated quota.

The Jammu and Kashmir State Hajj Committee has received a mere 4,250 applications for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the generous allocation of 8,200 slots.

This shortfall means that nearly 4000 seats—approximately 48 percent of the total quota—will remain unfilled.

Shujaat Ahmad Qureshi, Executive Officer, J&K State Hajj Committee, elaborated on the situation.

"This year, for the second time in succession, we will have no draw of lots. All 4250 applicants who have submitted online applications will be automatically selected for the Hajj Pilgrimage."

This automatic selection process is a far cry from the competitive scenario of previous years when applicants often outnumbered available slots by a considerable margin.

The Hajj Committee had initially set September 9 as the deadline for applications. However, faced with a tepid response, they extended the deadline twice, finally closing applications on September 30, 2024. Despite these extensions, the number of applicants remained significantly low, prompting concerns about the factors influencing this drastic decline.

Economic considerations are at the forefront of this downturn. The cost of undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage has steadily increased over recent years, placing a growing financial burden on potential pilgrims. In 2023, pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir had to deposit Rs 4,16,000 for the journey. This figure rose to Rs 4,24,000 in 2024, marking an increase of Rs 8000 in just one year. Looking ahead to the 2025 Hajj, costs are anticipated to climb even higher, reflecting broader inflationary trends and economic pressures both locally and globally.

To fully grasp the gravity of the current situation, it's crucial to examine the historical context. The 2023 Hajj season painted a vastly different picture, with over 14,500 applications received for the pilgrimage. Of these, 12,000 fortunate individuals were selected through a draw of lots, highlighting the high demand and competitive nature of the process at that time.

The following year, 2024, marked the beginning of this downward trend, with only 7,800 applications submitted for an increased allocation of 11,500 seats (9500 regular seats plus an additional 2,000). This was the first instance where a draw of lots became unnecessary, as the number of applicants fell below the available quota.

As the J&K Hajj Committee grapples with this unprecedented situation, the implications extend beyond mere numbers. The automatic selection of all applicants, while beneficial for those who applied, raises serious questions about the long-term sustainability of the Hajj quota allocated to J&K. There are concerns that if this trend continues, it could potentially lead to a reduction in the quota assigned to Jammu and Kashmir in future years.

Qureshi emphasised that financial constraints are the primary factor behind the dramatic application decrease.