New measures announced for benefit of Haj pilgrims

HAJ
New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) Indian External Affairs
Minister S M Krishna Monday announced a slew of measures for
Haj pilgrims, including allowing a companion for those above
70 years of age, easier passport clearances and automatic
inclusion of those applicants in the list who have been
applying for three years.
Delivering his inaugural address at the annual Haj
conference here, Krishna said, "As part of our efforts to
continuously improve Haj management, it has been decided to
allocate confirmed seats to all the intending pilgrims over 70
years of age along with a companion, with effect from this
year."
The Minister said the decision taken last year to
allow those Haj pilgrims who have applied unsuccessfully for
three consecutive years to be automatically given a seat
without having to participate in the draw of lots or Qurrah
has already been implemented.
An additional Haj quota has also been sought from the
Saudi Arabia government to accommodate the significant
increase in the number of intending pilgrims.
"During my visit to Jeddah for the conclusion of the
Bilateral Haj Agreement with the Government of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia on March 26, 2011, I personally handed over the
request for additional seats to the Saudi Minister for Haj,"
Krishna said.
The External Affairs Ministry has also decided to
facilitate issuing of passports to Haj pilgrims.
"I am pleased to inform you that the Government has
decided to give all the pilgrims selected by the Haj Committee
of India passports with validity of eight months without
police verification. Regional Passport offices have been
advised to hold special passport adalats for the purpose,"
Krishna said.
Other steps being taken include introduction of an
easy baggage system, election of zonal representatives to the
Haj Committee of India, increasing embarkation points from 19
to 21, setting up an inter-ministerial committee on charter
flights for Haj pilgrims and opening a Helpline by India's
Consulate General in Jeddah for pilgrims.
The ministry will also ensure accommodation to more
Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia from this year.
"Over one lakh twenty five thousand (accommodation)
units have already been approved for hiring. Process is on for
signing of agreement with the landlords," Krishna said.
A record number of one lakh seventy one thousand six
hundred and seventy one pilgrims from India performed Haj last
year.
Haj Committee chairperson Mohsina Kidwai, who was also
present at Monday's programme, demanded that the opinion of
members of the body should be taken whenever the amendments to
the present Act on Haj Committee is moved. She rued that there
were several shortcomings in the present legislation.
Kidwai pointed out that there was no final authority
responsible for all Haj arrangements and financial and
administrative lacunae were still to be addressed. PTI RC
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