The Process for Haj Applications to be made simpler – Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

The Process for Haj Applications to be made simpler – Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

img_8289

The Central Government has been encouraging online applications for the next Haj, so that people can get an opportunity for the pilgrimage with ease and complete transparency. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today in Mumbai while inaugurating a meeting of Haj Committees of India.

Shri Naqvi said that during Haj 2016, about 45,843 people had applied for Haj online which was about 11 per cent of total applications received from across the nation for Haj. Maharashtra was at the top place with a total of 10,960 people applying online.  9257 online applications received from Kerala; 5407 from Uttar Pradesh; 2983 from Telangana; 2426 from Jammu and Kashmir and 2425 online applications were received from Gujarat. The Minister disclosed that the Indian government would be requesting the Saudi government to increase the quota for Indian Haj pilgrims.

img_8269

The Minister further clarified that the government had been making efforts to make the process of online application simple and easy so that more and more people can apply online and take advantage of Haj pilgrimage. A mobile app for applicants will make the process simpler. The minister shared that 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.

Shri Naqvi asserted that the state Haj committees should make the people aware about “Dos and Don’ts” regarding Haj and their journey so that they don’t face any trouble during the pilgrimage. Shri Naqvi said that the people going for Haj should follow all the rules and regulations of the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding security, accommodation and transportation. A film for the Haj pilgrims will be made by the Haj Committee.

PIBMumbai/ BG/AS(APS)