Plan to make Haj process online soon

Minister launches Haj mobile app through which pilgrims can apply and pay registration fee

The Indian government has been working to make the entire Haj process online to bring in transparency and convenience for the pilgrims, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said yesterday.

The minister, who announced here the process for Haj 2018, said the announcement had been made one month in advance to give more time for preparations. People can apply for Haj from November 15 onwards.

Naqvi said Haj 2018 will be performed according to the new Haj policy that will be finalised soon by the ministry after examining the recommendations of the high-level committee constituted to frame the policy. The committee has submitted its report.

Naqvi also launched a new Haj mobile app through which application for Haj can be directly made and the registration fee can also be paid.

“This app will make Haj application process easier and comfortable. Application for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment are some of the main features of this mobile app,” he said.

“For the first time, for Haj 2018, details of total expenditure to be incurred by the pilgrims is given in the Haj application form. This is a step towards transparency.”

Abolition of Haj subsidy and reducing embarkation points from 21 to nine are among the principal recommendations of the committee.

However, this time around the government is continuing with the 21 embarkation points as per the request of the Haj Committee of India.