New Delhi: Haj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that Muslims aspire to undertake at least once in their lifetime. Every year, millions gather in Mecca, driven by devotion and a shared sense of spirituality. The Government of India, recognising the significance of Haj, has made provisions to facilitate the pilgrimage, particularly for low-income individuals. Pilgrim support cum facilitation programmes have been introduced to enhance accessibility, especially for women facing unique challenges. Ongoing reforms and policy improvements have further enriched the Haj experience, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that diverse segments of the Muslim community can partake in this profound spiritual journey.
The city of Bombay has a longstanding association with Haj, with Muslims embarking on their holy journey via the sea route from this port since British rule. The Haj Committee of Bombay was established in 1927, with D. Healy, the then Commissioner of Police, serving as its president alongside prominent Muslim public representatives. The first formal meeting of the committee took place on 14 April 1927. Mustafa Fakih became the first Chairman of the Haj Committee constituted under the Haj Committee Act of 1959.
Until 1994, about 5,000 pilgrims travelled by ship from Bombay, while approximately 20,000 travelled by air. In 1995, sea travel for Haj pilgrims was discontinued, with all pilgrims then travelling by air. Consequently, additional embarkation points were established, increasing year by year. The growing number of embarkation points highlighted the need for appropriate representation from across the country within the Haj Committee of India. This led to the passage of the Haj Committee Act 2002, which ensures representation from all regions in the Haj Committee of India. With the objective to ensure more focussed attention to Haj pilgrims, the responsibility for all Haj-related matters was transferred from the Ministry of External Affairs to the Ministry of Minority Affairs on 1 October 2016, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the government to support Muslim pilgrims.
The Haj Committee of India, commonly known as the Central Haj Committee (CHC), has been established by the government under the Haj Committee Act 2002 to make all arrangements for the pilgrimage of Muslims for Haj, and for matters connected therewith. The committee works under the administrative superintendence of the government and discharges functions including organising an All-India Annual Conference to review previous Haj arrangements, plan improvements, and finalise the action plan for the upcoming Haj with key stakeholders. The committee also issues public announcements inviting applications for Haj through newspapers, detailing deposit amounts, accommodation options, and deadlines. Free Haj Application Forms and guidelines are provided to State Haj Committees, which collect applications and remittances from intending pilgrims.
The committee distributes the Haj quota among states and union territories based on the Muslim population; excess applications are managed through a draw of lots (qurrah). It digitises applications and transmits data to the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, for managing accommodations and flights. In coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities, the committee oversees visa endorsement, with applications processed at the Saudi Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate in Mumbai. Compiling and verifying data to ensure accuracy, the committee then sends it to various agencies for Haj arrangements. It also collects funds based on accommodation choice, utilises them for rentals and dues, and disburses the balance to pilgrims in Saudi Riyals for daily expenses.
Through tenders, the committee sets the Riyal exchange rate for the Haj season, notifies airfare rates, and coordinates pilgrim remittances via core banking. Flight scheduling is managed accordingly, with pilgrims notified of departure dates and reporting requirements. Embarkation support is provided from 21 embarkation points, where camp offices assist with booking, remittance verification, and travel documentation. The committee arranges vaccinations, ensuring the supply of Meningitis and Polio vaccines and certifying inoculations for all pilgrims. Comprehensive Haj guides on rituals, logistics, and Saudi regulations are distributed in multiple languages, and orientation camps are conducted with selected trainers to prepare pilgrims for the journey, including those traveling with private tour operators. Additionally, a Group Accident Compensation Scheme has been implemented, with a one-time premium charged to pilgrims, and uniform accommodation arrangements in Madina ensure most pilgrims stay within 850 meters of key areas. Air transportation is managed through Air India and Saudi Arabian Airlines following the cessation of ship voyages in 1995.
Over time, the government has implemented several reforms to make Haj travel hassle-free, significantly enhancing digital infrastructure for better accessibility and convenience. These initiatives also promote women’s equality, allowing more women to undertake the pilgrimage independently. The Haj subsidy, which aimed to offset travel costs for pilgrims, increased from Rs. 10.51 crore in 1994 to Rs. 836.56 crore in 2012-13. However, the subsidy was gradually reduced and completely abolished for Haj 2018. Since then, a record 4.54 lakh Indian pilgrims have performed Haj without subsidy. The estimated savings of approximately Rs. 400 crores from the subsidy have been redirected towards the educational empowerment of minority students, particularly girls, leading to increased enrolment and reduced dropout rates from schools.
For decades, Muslim women in India advocated for their right to perform Haj without a Mehram (male companion). Many, including professionals like teachers and doctors, faced barriers due to this requirement. In 2017, the government finally lifted these restrictions, marking a significant milestone towards women’s empowerment. During Haj 2023, the government allowed single eligible women to apply individually under the Lady Without Mehram (LWM) category, eliminating the previous requirement to form a group of four. This change led to unprecedented participation, with over 5,000 women applying under the LWM category—an increase of 20% from the previous year.
In previous years, Haj management processes relied heavily on manual and offline methods, resulting in a cumbersome and opaque system involving multiple agencies. To address this challenge, the Haj Committee of India recognised the need for a more efficient approach and has successfully digitised many Haj-related services, enabling citizens to access them anytime and anywhere. This includes the application process and the computerisation of the draw for selecting Haj pilgrims. Applicants can now easily register for Haj through the official website at hajcommittee.gov.in. Additionally, the launch of the Haj Suvidha App on 3 March 2024 marks a significant step forward in enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
Since Haj 2023, the government has removed all discretionary quotas previously held by dignitaries, including those from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, to promote equal opportunities for all citizens. These seats have been integrated into the general allocation for Haj pilgrims. Selection is now conducted through a digitised random process, ensuring transparency and immediate notification for both selected and waitlisted pilgrims. To enhance professionalism and support for pilgrims, the selection of administrative deputationists was exclusively made from CAPF personnel in 2023. Given the challenging topographical and climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia, CAPF members are well-trained and suited for such demanding work.
In 2024, a bilateral Haj agreement was signed with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, establishing a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India for Haj 2024, with 1,40,020 seats reserved for those travelling through the Haj Committee of India, benefiting first-time pilgrims, while 35,005 seats are designated for Haj Group Operators. The Union Health Ministry oversaw comprehensive medical care for approximately 1,75,025 pilgrims, including around 40,000 elderly individuals aged 60 and above. In response to harsh weather conditions, round-the-clock medical support was provided, featuring enhanced services such as oral health and dental care. This year, nearly 2 lakh outpatient consultations were conducted, along with regular visits from medical teams to ensure the well-being of all pilgrims.
The government has established robust facilitation centres within Indian Missions to prioritise the welfare and safety of pilgrims abroad. These centres respond promptly to issues raised by pilgrims through various channels, including phone calls, emails, and social media. Indian Missions actively monitor the well-being of Indian nationals and are prepared to provide immediate support during emergencies, offering consular assistance, food, shelter, and return passage when needed.
The Haj pilgrimage has significantly improved thanks to initiatives from the Haj Committee of India and the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The Haj Committee has streamlined processes, enhancing accessibility and organisation for thousands of pilgrims through improved logistics and dedicated support services. Complementing these efforts, the Ministry has introduced policies that provide financial assistance and awareness programmes, empowering pilgrims and making their journey smoother. These initiatives not only honour the spiritual significance of Haj but also foster a sense of community among Indian Muslims. As these organisations continue to collaborate, the pilgrimage is poised to become even more meaningful and accessible, reflecting a strong commitment to the welfare of pilgrims and promoting cultural and religious diversity in India.
Source: PIB
