Number of Haj pilgrims raised by 13,211

New Delhi, Sep 11 (UNI) The Government today raised the number of Haj pilgrims from 1,10,000 to 1,23,211 who will travel on a subsidised fare of Rs 12,000 during Haj 2008, and introduced Indore as a new embarkation point.

''As many as 1,23,211 pilgrims will get to travel on subsidised fare from India to Saudi Arabia for the Haj beginning in Octobor,'' Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said after the meeting of the Union Cabinet that gave the approval.

Indore will be a new embarkation point in addition to the existing 16 embarkation points for Haj 2008.

''Fare to be charged from the pilgrims will continue to be Rs 12,000 per pilgrim. There will be no increase,'' Mr Dasmunsi told reporters.

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