Kondotty: Pilgrims registering for Hajj through the Kerala State Hajj Committee will get better volunteer assistance this year when compared to the previous year. As per reports, the volunteer-pilgrim ratio will be at 1:300. In the previous year, the volunteer-pilgrim ratio was at 1:400.  
 
The volunteers are called Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (KuH). They play a very important role in the pilgrimage season. They offer support to pilgrims at various stages of the Hajj pilgrimage. 

KuH is selected and deputed from all State/UTs in terms of norms of the Hajj Committee of India duly approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The volunteers should be government officials. Preference is given to those who have performed or engaged in Umrah or Hajj recently.

It is expected that at least 18,000 pilgrims will register for Hajj through the Kerala State Hajj Committee. This year 60 volunteers will be selected from Kerala. Last year, the number was 28. 

The cost for volunteers, including flight tickets, will be met by central and state Hajj committees. It will cost state Hajj committee around Rs 2 lakh to foot a volunteer.