Jammu, 09-01-2024: Joint Secretary of Minority Affairs, Nirupama Kotru, who was part of the Indian delegation led by Union Minister Smriti Irani to sign the Hajj Agreement for 2023, has disclosed that India’s annual Hajj quota has been augmented to accommodate 1.75 lakh pilgrims each year. This enhancement is a result of the new Agreement for 2024, in which the Saudi government has agreed to increase India’s annual quota of first-time Hajj Pilgrims.
Kotru emphasized that, under the terms of the agreement, the highest number of Hajj pilgrims this year will be from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In cases where individuals remain on the waiting list or cancel their applications, preference will be given to residents of J&K in the waiting list. She pointed out that India now ranks third in terms of Hajj pilgrims, trailing behind Pakistan and Indonesia. Nevertheless, efforts have been made to further raise the quota to 2 lakh annually from the next year, a request submitted to the Saudi government during the agreement’s supervision by Union Minister Smriti Irani and MoS Foreign Ministry V Murlidharan.
One noteworthy development mentioned by Kotru is the initiative taken last year, allowing women without “Mehram” (male guardian) to perform Hajj. This year, they have already received 6000 applications from women wishing to perform Hajj without “Mehram,” and it is anticipated that this number will surpass last year’s figures. During their visit, the delegation ensured that those embarking on this holy pilgrimage encountered no difficulties in terms of facilities and other essential aspects.
Kotru further highlighted that Union Minister Smriti Irani oversaw the facilities for Hajj pilgrims and engaged in extensive discussions with Saudi authorities to ensure the provision of enhanced facilities for pilgrims from India. The focus remains on providing a seamless and enriching experience for all those undertaking the sacred journey.
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