Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani Launches Haj Suvidha App to Enhance Pilgrimage Experience

New Delhi:   Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, inaugurated a two-day Training of Trainers Programme for a seamless and comfortable Haj pilgrimage experience at Vigyan Bhavan today. The event was attended by more than 550 trainers from various States/UTs and marked a crucial step in preparing for Haj 2024.

The Training of Trainers Programme aims to sensitize and educate trainers responsible for further instructing Haj pilgrims. This initiative is designed to guarantee that pilgrims have a fulfilling and informed journey, understanding the various aspects of the pilgrimage. Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri John Barla, was also present at the inauguration ceremony.

As part of the Government’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience, Minister Irani unveiled the “Haj Suvidha App,” a revolutionary digital platform developed by BISAG-N under her guidance. The app is poised to be a game-changer, leveraging digital and mobile technologies to provide essential information and direct access to crucial services for Haj pilgrims. These services include training modules, flight details, accommodation, emergency helpline, health services, and more, ensuring that pilgrims can focus on their spiritual journey without worrying about logistical challenges.

The Haj Suvidha App is expected to address common problems faced by pilgrims, particularly those undertaking the Haj for the first time. It is a significant step towards making the pilgrimage more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

In conjunction with the app launch, Minister Irani also released the Haj Guide – 2024, available in 10 languages, to educate pilgrims on various aspects of the journey, emphasizing the utilization of the Haj Suvidha App for enhanced convenience.

During her address, Minister Irani highlighted the comprehensive efforts by the Government of India to make the Haj pilgrimage transparent, uniform, cost-efficient, safe, and spiritually fulfilling. The increasing enthusiasm and participation of pilgrims under the Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) category demonstrate the government’s commitment to inclusivity. The Haj Suvidha App is expected to facilitate better access to facilities, improve administrative coordination, and enable prompt grievance redressal and emergency response.

Minister Irani urged trainers to put forth their best efforts, emphasizing the importance of training to ensure that every Haj pilgrim can perform the pilgrimage safely, peacefully, and comfortably. In a move to enhance training, the number of trainers per pilgrim has been increased from the earlier ratio of 1:300 to a more focused ratio of 1:150, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing a fulfilling Haj experience for Indian pilgrims.