New Delhi: Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the Conference of Chairpersons of State and Union Territory Haj Committees today. The event, held under the aegis of the Haj Committee of India and the Ministry of Minority Affairs, witnessed the participation of key dignitaries, including Minister of State for Minority Affairs Shri George Kurian, Chairman of the Haj Committee of India Abdullahkutti, and Joint Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs Aseem R. Mahajan.
Addressing the gathering, Kiren Rijiju underscored the significance of the Haj pilgrimage as the largest logistical operation undertaken annually by the Indian government outside its borders. Highlighting the enduring ties between India and Saudi Arabia, he remarked on Haj’s pivotal role in strengthening bilateral relations. He also detailed significant reforms introduced to enhance the pilgrimage experience, including the removal of the discretionary quota, the adoption of technology through the Haj Suvidha App, and the introduction of facilities to support female pilgrims traveling without a Mehram.
George Kurian elaborated on the initiatives designed for Haj 2025, which aim to provide Indian pilgrims with an elevated level of comfort and convenience. He shared plans for the procurement of modern accommodations with lifts in Aziziya and areas close to Haram. New buses equipped with advanced features will be introduced for travel between Makkah, Madinah, and within the Mashaer region. A robust medical support system is also being developed to address health concerns effectively. Additionally, the ratio of Khadim-ul-Hujjaj has been improved from one Khadim for every 200 pilgrims to one for every 150, ensuring more personalized care and prompt issue resolution.
The conference marked the launch of the upgraded Haj Suvidha App 2.0 by Kiren Rijiju. The app builds on the success of the 2024 version by offering new features such as detailed information on the selection process, boarding passes, air travel updates, navigation systems with Mina maps, and access to medical records and health advisories. Rijiju emphasized the importance of such technological advancements in streamlining the pilgrimage experience.
Stakeholder discussions formed a significant part of the event, with Chairpersons and Executive Officers of State and UT Haj Committees providing valuable feedback and suggestions to ensure a smooth and successful Haj pilgrimage in 2025. The deliberations, chaired by George Kurian, focused on incorporating these insights into the upcoming plans.
The conference highlighted the government’s commitment to making the sacred journey of Haj more accessible, comfortable, and inclusive for all Indian pilgrims. By integrating modern amenities and addressing the needs of diverse groups, the initiatives promise to make the pilgrimage a truly enriching experience.