Minority Affairs Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the training program organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs with the aim of training the administrative and medical officers deputed to facilitate Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for Haj 2023. This training program is being organized at SCOPE Complex Center located at Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
Some of the major measures and new initiatives taken by the government this year are as follows:
- According to the bilateral agreement between India and Saudi Arabia, the total number of Haj pilgrims this year is 1.75 lakh.
- The Government has given special attention to economic austerity measures in the Haj pilgrimage package by eliminating the unnecessary cost incurred on account of compulsory purchase of bucket , chadar , suitcase etc. The mandatory provision of providing 2100 Saudi Riyals to each Haj pilgrim by the Government has been done away with and Hajis are being given the flexibility to receive Saudi Riyals as per their needs.
- Direct supply of foreign exchange and foreign exchange cards to intending Haj pilgrims for the first time through State Bank of India at most competitive rates, besides ensuring flexibility to Haj pilgrims in obtaining foreign exchange as per their actual requirements and bringing transparency in the entire system. Getting from
- Maximum number of embarkation points are being prepared for the convenience of Haj pilgrims.
- 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/dispensaries 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.
- Women empowerment has been facilitated by allowing single women to apply under Mahram category without accompanying women. The highest number of applications received under this is 4314.
Administrative and Medical Officers on deputation:
- A total of 468 deputation administrative and medical professionals including 339 medical personnel (173 doctors and 166 paramedics) have been selected , including 129 officers for administrative work including 29 Grade A officers.
- Out of 468 deputationists, 129 women members have been appointed.
- Only administrative officers on deputation from CAPFs have been selected (for better experience and work related assistance to Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia).
- 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% of them are from IPS officers or CAPFs.
- Preference has been given to first time applicants for deputation.
