Telangana Haj Committee (TGHC) chairman Syed Ghulam Afzal Biyabani, on Saturday, said that the additional ₹10,000 “differential airfare” being levied on pilgrims was a decision taken by the Central government and the Haj Committee of India, and not by the State body.

Addressing preparations for the annual pilgrimage, Mr. Biyabani said that pilgrims would not be permitted to cook at their accommodation in Saudi Arabia, in line with the directives issued by the authorities. Hajis would instead have the option of purchasing food, either from a list of approved catering companies identified by the Saudi government or from outside vendors, he said.