Haj quota for Indians has increased by 34,500, “the biggest hike in 28 years”, after Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi signed an agreement at Jeddah this week.
The increase would take the number of Indian Haj travelers from India to 1,70,520 in 2017 in comparison to 1,36,020 who went for the pilgrimage in 2016.
The decision was taken during signing of annual Haj agreement between India and Saudi Arabia by Naqvi and Haj and Umrah Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten Wednesday.
Naqvi expressed happiness over increased quota for Indian by 34,500. “It is the biggest increase after 1988 in the quota of Haj pilgrims from India”, he said. About 99,903 people went to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for Haj from 21 embarkation points across India through Haj Committee of India during Haj 2016. Apart from this, about 36,000 Haj pilgrims had proceeded for Haj through the private tour operators.
Haj application process has already started in India from 2nd January 2017. The last date for submitting applications is 24th January, 2017. Haj usually commences from July-Aguust.
In his meeting with Dr Benten, Naqvi discussed issues relating to the Indian Haj pilgrims and Haj pilgrimage. Besides Haj quota from India, transport and accommodation facilities for pilgrims and their safety during their stay in Saudi Arabia also figured during the discussion.
Hoping that the relations between the two countries would rise to “ a higher level”, Naqvi said “Haj pilgrimage is one of the strongest pillars of India-Saudi Arabia ties.” The Minister was confident that the forthcoming Haj would be “ safe, comfortable and smooth”.
In this reference, he pointed to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia April last year which , he said “added new dimensions to the vibrant relationship.”
It is for the first time that Haj application process in India has been made digital or online with the launch of “Haj Committee of India Mobile App” on January 2nd , 2017 .
According to Naqvi, the Government of India has been encouraging online applications for Haj 2017 so that people can get an opportunity for the pilgrimage with complete transparency and comfort. last December, a new website of Haj was also launched in Hindi, Urdu and English languages which will provide the necessary information on Haj . The website gives detailed information regarding Indian Government’s Ministry of Minority Affairs, Haj Department, Haj pilgrimage, rules and regulations on Haj, Haj Committee of India and private tour operators.
The website also has “Do’s and Don’ts” during Haj pilgrimage and also a film informing about various aspects of the pilgrimage.