New Delhi: Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju emphasized the government’s commitment to making Haj 2025 a seamless experience, underscoring its significance as a cornerstone of the strong bilateral relationship between India and Saudi Arabia. Speaking at the Conference of Chairpersons of State and UT Haj Committees, he launched the upgraded Haj Suvidha App 2.0 and highlighted key reforms to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
Rijiju described Haj as the largest logistical operation managed by the Indian government abroad and noted the introduction of modern facilities, such as improved accommodation near the Haram, upgraded buses for pilgrim travel, and a stronger medical support system. He also pointed out that the ratio of Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (Haj assistants) has been improved to provide better support to pilgrims.
New Features of Haj Suvidha App 2.0
The new app version builds on its 2024 predecessor by offering:
• Pilgrim selection process updates.
• Boarding pass and air travel details.
• Navigation tools with Mina maps.
• Personalized medical history and health advisories.
Concerns Over Costs and Management
The conference addressed stakeholder feedback and preparations for Haj 2025. Rijiju acknowledged concerns over irrational airfares and rising pilgrimage costs, which had led many intending pilgrims to withdraw. For instance, airfare disparities such as ₹67,000 from Mumbai versus ₹97,000 from Aurangabad were highlighted as problematic.
Ashfaq Ahmad, CEO of the Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee, noted economic difficulties in the region, leading to a drop in applications despite a quota of 7,000 pilgrims. Ahmad stated that over 3,500 applicants withdrew due to high costs, with the unused quota being returned.
Demand for a Full-Fledged Haj Committee
The absence of a fully operational Central Haj Committee, mandated by the Haj Act of 2002, remains a pressing issue. For the past four years, no such committee has been formed, despite a Supreme Court directive. The delay is attributed to the lack of Muslim MPs in the ruling BJP for required nominations, leaving the current committee with limited functionality.
Chairman AP Abdullakutty, a former CPI(M) MP turned BJP leader, and two BJP-affiliated women vice chairpersons, Mafuza Khatun and S. Munawari Begum, currently head the committee. Rijiju assured that forming a proper Haj Committee is on the agenda as the current tenure ends soon.
The conference concluded with deliberations led by dignitaries, including George Kurian, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, and Abdullahkutty. Rijiju announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia in January to finalize the Haj 2025 agreement.
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