A AKHTER / NEW DELHI
UNION Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said that final decision on Haj 2021 will be taken in due course keeping in view necessary guidelines to be issued by Saudi Arabia Government and Government of India in view of Corona Pandemic
Chairing Haj-2021 Review Meeting here today, Mr Naqvi said that Haj-2021 is scheduled for June-July 2021, but the final decision regarding it, will be taken in due course keeping in view necessary guidelines to be issued by the Saudi Arabia Government and Government of India in view of Corona Pandemic to ensure health and well-being of the people.
The Minister said that Indian Haj Committee and other agencies will formally announce Haj-2021 application process and other related preparations after a decision is taken by the Saudi Arabia Government on it.
He said that the entire Haj process might witness a significant change in view of necessary guidelines.
These include accommodation, transport, health and other facilities both in India and Saudi Arabia.
Mr Naqvi said that health and well-being of the pilgrims is of the utmost priority for the government due to Corona pandemic and the Indian agencies will ensure necessary arrangements in this regard.
He said, the Indian Government and Haj Committee have started necessary preparations to ensure health and well-being of the pilgrims.
Mr Naqvi also informed that due to 100 per cent digital Haj process of India, Rs. 2,100 crore have been returned through DBT mode, without any deduction, to 1.23 lakh people after cancellation of Haj-2020 due to Corona pandemic.
He said, the Saudi Arabia Government has also returned about Rs. 100 crore regarding transportation.