New measures announced for benefit of Haj pilgrims

New Delhi, June 13 (PTI):External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today announced a slew ofmeasures for Haj pilgrims, including allowing a companion for thoseabove 70 years of age, easier passport clearances and automaticinclusion of those applicants in the list who have been applying forthree years.

Delivering his inaugural address at the annual Haj conference here,Krishna said, "As part of our efforts to continuously improve Hajmanagement, it has been decided to allocate confirmed seats to all theintending pilgrims over 70 years of age along with a companion, witheffect from this year."

The Minister said the decision taken last year to allow those Hajpilgrims who have applied unsuccessfully for three consecutive yearsto be automatically given a seat without having to participate in thedraw of lots or Qurrah has already been implemented.

An additional Haj quota has also been sought from the Saudi Arabiagovernment to accommodate the significant increase in the number ofintending pilgrims.

"During my visit to Jeddah for the conclusion of the Bilateral HajAgreement with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March26, 2011, I personally handed over the request for additional seats tothe Saudi Minister for Haj," Krishna said.

The External Affairs Ministry has also decided to facilitate issuingof passports to Haj pilgrims.

"I am pleased to inform you that the Government has decided to giveall the pilgrims selected by the Haj Committee of India passports with

validity of eight months without police verification. RegionalPassport offices have been advised to hold special passport adalatsfor the purpose," Krishna said.

Other steps being taken include introduction of an easy baggagesystem, election of zonal representatives to the Haj Committee ofIndia, increasing embarkation points from 19 to 21, setting up aninter-ministerial committee on charter flights for Haj pilgrims andopening a Helpline by India's Consulate General in Jeddah forpilgrims.

The ministry will also ensure accommodation to more Haj pilgrims inSaudi Arabia from this year.

"Over one lakh twenty five thousand (accommodation) units have alreadybeen approved for hiring. Process is on for signing of agreement withthe landlords," Krishna said.

A record number of one lakh seventy one thousand six hundred andseventy one pilgrims from India performed Haj last year.

Haj Committee chairperson Mohsina Kidwai, who was also present attoday's programme, demanded that the opinion of members of the bodyshould be taken whenever the amendments to the present Act on HajCommittee is moved. She rued that there were several shortcomings inthe present legislation.

Kidwai pointed out that there was no final authority responsible forall Haj arrangements and financial and administrative lacunae werestill to be addressed.