Abid Bashir
Srinagar, Nov 14: In a major decision taken by the Hajj Committee of India after hectic deliberations in Hajj Conference held in Delhi on November 12, the Hajj Committee of India (HCoI) is gearing up to make Hajj 2023 cheaper and pilgrim friendly with special focus on women pilgrims.
HCoI member Er Aijaz Hussain said that the meeting held in New Delhi was attended by Minority Affairs Minister Simriti Irani, Chairman HCoI A P J Abdul Kuttay, chairmen of all States/UTs including Chief Executive Officer Hajj Committee of J&K Safeena Baig. “A brainstorming session was held and after thorough deliberations, it was decided that Hajj 2023 will be made cheaper so that poor can also undertake the sacred journey. It was also decided that more embankment points will be added and the pilgrim will be given a choice to choose the embankment point of his/her choice. Besides, a special focus will be given to women pilgrims so that they too can fulfill the dream of performing Hajj,” Er Aijaz said, who was present in the meeting.
To a query how cheaper the Hajj was going to be , Er Aijaz said that there was a possibility that pilgrims will have to pay Rs one lakh less compared to the previous year’s Hajj rate. “Apart from this, all facilities will be provided to Hajis including currency exchange, free hatch bags, umbrellas and guide books etc,” he said, adding that every Haji will have a facility to get adequate Zam water at the airport. He said that Hajj forms will also be made available on the official websites months ahead of pilgrimage.
Er Aijaz said that the meeting also discussed reaching out to aspiring women pilgrims and it was decided to give maximum opportunity to women who want to undertake the sacred journey next year.
Er Aijaz said that the HCoI officials were in touch with the officials in Saudi Arabia and all means are being explored to fill the gaps and loopholes noticed and observed in last year’s pilgrimage. “All steps are afoot to ensure quality Hajj to people who would leave for the holy cities of Makah and Madina in year 2023,” he said.
