CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin laid the foundation stone for the Tamil Nadu Hajj House on Tuesday, to be built at an outlay of Rs 39.2 crore on a one-acre site near Chennai’s Anna International Airport. The CM had announced the construction of a Hajj House in the Assembly on March 3. Hajj pilgrims will stay at the centre one day before their departure to complete travel formalities and proceed conveniently to the airport.
The new Haj House will have a basement and four floors. The basement will house parking facilities. The ground floor will accommodate the Hajj office, reception area, conference hall and a secure room for keeping the pilgrims’ belongings. From the first to the fourth floors, facilities will be provided to accommodate approximately 400 Hajj pilgrims.
A release recalled the welfare measures being implemented by the state including 3.5% reservation for Backwards Class Muslims, the establishment of the Ulema and Other Personnel Welfare Board, grants for the renovation of mosques and dargahs, and educational assistance of Rs 1,000 per annum to Muslim girl students studying in classes I to VIII in government and aided schools.