New Delhi: According to the bilateral agreement between India and Saudi Arabia, the total number of Haj pilgrims this year is 1.75 lakh. The Central Government has given special attention to economic austerity measures in the Haj pilgrimage package by eliminating unnecessary costs arising out of the mandatory purchase of buckets, chadars, suitcases, etc. According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the government has done away with the mandatory provision of providing 2100 Saudi Riyals to each Haj pilgrim and Hajis are being given the flexibility to receive Saudi Riyals as per their needs.
Administrative and medical officers selected for the convenience of Haj pilgrims are also being trained in Saudi Arabia. This training program for medical officers for Haj pilgrims is being conducted at SCOPE Complex Center located at Lodhi Road in New Delhi.
According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, efforts have been made to ensure flexibility in obtaining foreign exchange for Haj pilgrims according to their actual requirements and to bring transparency in the entire system. In addition, for the first time, direct supply of foreign currency and foreign currency cards to intending Haj pilgrims is being made through State Bank of India at most competitive rates. Along with this, for the convenience of Haj pilgrims, maximum number of embarkation points are being prepared.
There will be direct involvement of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and its agencies for medical examination and vaccination of Haj pilgrims in India and hospitals in Saudi Arabia during Haj. Inclusion is being given due attention with special provisions in the Haj Policy for differently-abled and older Haj pilgrims. The ministry says that women empowerment has been facilitated by allowing single women to apply under the Mehram category without accompanying women. The highest number of applications received under this is 4314.
Minority Affairs Ministry informed that a total of 468 administrative and medical professionals on deputation including 339 medical personnel (173 doctors and 166 paramedics) have been selected for the convenience of Haj pilgrims, including 29 officers of Grade A, 129 officers for administrative work. are also included. Out of 468 deputationists, 129 women members have been appointed. In Saudi Arabia, only administrative officers on deputation from CAPFs have been selected for better experience and work related assistance to Haj pilgrims. For the first time, the Ministry of Health has been involved in the selection process for medical deputation.
State level coordinators are being deputed from each state to take care of the interests of Hajis from each state. AHO and HA have been reduced to a great extent. 108 out of 300 and all 100 percent of them are from IPS officers or CAPFs.
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