The Haj Committee of India (HCoI) today convened a day-long national conference to deliberate on measures to further streamline and enhance the experience of Indian Haj pilgrims for Haj-2026. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA).

The conference opened with a two-minute silence observed in memory of the pilgrims who lost their lives in the tragic bus accident in Medina on 17 November.

In his address, Secretary Dr. Kumar directed the HCoI to ensure that all Haj-related operations become fully digital, portal-based, and AI-integrated, eliminating the need for manual processes. He emphasised that in the era of advanced technology, efficient and transparent service delivery must be the priority.

Dr. Kumar underscored the need for robust digital systems to assist pilgrims from the application stage to post-Haj services, ensuring seamless access to information, support, and financial transactions.

Further, Dr. CS Kumar instructed the HCoI to immediately refund 75% of all pending dues to Haj pilgrims, with the remaining 25% to be processed after verification, due diligence, and audit.He advised the Committee to engage a professional Financial Management Services (FMS) company to handle accounting processes and to provide pilgrims with 24×7 self-assisted financial transaction support, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

CEO, HCoI, Shanavas C, assured the Ministry that the Committee would take all necessary measures to make the Haj Yatra smoother, more efficient, and more pilgrim-friendly than in previous years.Joint Secretary Ram Singh who recently visited KSA gave his inputs for ease of doing Haj Yatra.

Representatives from various State and Union Territory Haj Committees shared on-ground insights and raised several issues faced by pilgrims in recent years.

Key concerns included:

-Long travel distances to embarkation points

-Accessibility challenges for elderly and specially-abled pilgrims

The HCoI assured that these issues would be addressed in consultation with the Ministry and relevant stakeholders, ensuring better facilities, improved logistical arrangements, and enhanced support systems for Haj-2026.Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India reaffirm their commitment to ensuring a safe, well-organised, and pilgrim-centric Haj journey for all Indian citizens.

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AK/MR

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