Haj 2025: Indian officials review arrangements in Saudi Arabia

IANS April 12, 2025 279 views

The Indian government is meticulously preparing for Haj 2025, with Ministry of Minority Affairs Secretary Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar personally reviewing arrangements in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare remains a top priority, with 24/7 medical centers and dedicated support for elderly pilgrims. Despite the removal of Haj subsidies in 2018, pilgrim numbers have remained consistent, demonstrating strong religious commitment. Technology like the e-Haj Suvidha App is enhancing pilgrim experience and support.

"Leaving no stone unturned for a comfortable #Haj2025" - Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI
New Delhi/Riyadh, April 12: Setting the tone for Haj 2025, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review preparations for this year's pilgrimage, an official said on Saturday.

Key Points

1

Indian delegation ensures optimal healthcare for Haj pilgrims

2

24/7 medical centers operational in Makkah and Madinah

3

e-Haj Suvidha App handles pilgrim grievances and support

Dr Kumar expressed satisfaction over the hygienic, stress-free stay facilities being ensured for a smooth pilgrimage experience, the official said in a statement.

The Ministry uploaded the Secretary's photos and wrote on its social media handle, "Leaving no stone unturned for a comfortable #Haj2025 - Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, GoI, Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar, is on a visit to Saudi Arabia to review arrangements for Indian #HajPilgrims."

For the welfare of Indian pilgrims, the Government establishes several temporary healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia during the Haj period. The necessary support with respect to the treatment of Haj pilgrims is provided through the Indian Haj Mission in accordance with Saudi law for tertiary care.

A Ministry official said special emphasis is placed on the health and well-being of elderly pilgrims, identified as a high-risk group. Medical teams comprising doctors and paramedics conduct daily visits to the buildings accommodating pilgrims, ensuring routine health monitoring, consultations, and immediate response to any emerging medical concerns.

In 2024, to cater to the healthcare needs of all pilgrims, especially the elderly, four medical centres in Makkah and one in Madinah, along with 17 dispensaries, were operational 24/7. Free consultations, medications, and treatment were provided to all Indian pilgrims, always ensuring access to healthcare.

In 2024, the country was allotted a quota of 1.75 lakh pilgrims. Out of these, 1.40 lakh were facilitated by the Haj Committee of India and the rest were handled by private tour operators.

More than 78,000 out of a total 1,75,025 pilgrims from India registered on the 'e-Haj Suvidha App' app during Haj-2024, and over 8,500 grievances and more than 2,100 SOS calls were handled through the app. Further, missing baggage cases reduced drastically during Haj 2024 as a result of the QR code mechanism.

According to the Ministry, the number of pilgrims proceeding for Haj has not decreased even after the abolishment of the Haj subsidy in 2018, and the Haj Committee of India has fully utilised the Haj quota since that year. In 2017, the year preceding the complete withdrawal of the Haj subsidy, over 1.70 lakh pilgrims proceeded for Haj.

Reader Comments

A
Asif K.
Alhamdulillah, the government is making good arrangements for Haj pilgrims. The medical facilities and QR code system sound very helpful. May Allah accept everyone's Haj this year! 🤲
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Priya M.
My grandparents went for Haj last year and they were very happy with the medical support. The doctors visited them daily in their accommodation. Big thank you to all the healthcare teams! ❤️
R
Rajesh T.
While the arrangements seem good, I hope they can improve the food quality in the pilgrim accommodations. Some of my relatives complained about this last year. Otherwise the facilities are quite well-organized.
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Fatima A.
The e-Haj app was a game changer! My mother used it to locate her lost luggage within hours. So grateful for these digital initiatives making the pilgrimage easier for our elders.
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Sunil P.
Interesting to see the numbers haven't dropped after subsidy removal. Shows people's commitment to faith is stronger than financial considerations. Good reporting on the details!
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Zubair H.
Mashallah, the government is doing commendable work. The 24/7 medical centers are especially important in the Saudi heat. May Allah bless all those involved in serving the pilgrims.

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Tags:
Haj Pilgrimage Saudi Arabia Dr Chandra Shekhar Kumar Ministry of Minority Affairs Indian Haj Committee
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