Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
New Delhi, Nov 21 (IANS) The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) is set to host an important National Haj Conference at Haj House in Mumbai on Saturday to finalize preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage.
The convention also aims to ensure a safe, comfortable and dignified experience for the more than 1,75,000 Indian pilgrims who undertake the annual pilgrimage.
The high-level meeting will be convened by the executive officers of all state and union territory Haj committees under the chairmanship of Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs. The primary focus is to strengthen cooperation and synergy between State/UT Haj Committees and Haj Committee of India (HCOI) to provide world class facilities to all Indian Haj pilgrims.
The conference agenda is packed with important operational activities. Key discussions will focus on “accommodation and logistics”, which will include an in-depth review of arrangements and coordination with domestic and Saudi agencies to ensure timely and comfortable services.
Another priority area is “Transport and Baggage Management”, which aims to strengthen systems for the seamless movement of pilgrims and establish efficient, safe baggage protocols.
Along with evaluating the “training of Hajj assistants and inspectors”, the readiness of the field staff will also be assessed, with emphasis on “high standards of service delivery, discipline and adherence to all operational protocols”.
Ensuring that the health of pilgrims is paramount, the conference will review “medical preparedness”, which includes comprehensive medical screening, vaccination and certification processes in line with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) guidelines. Effective coordination and readiness of medical teams will also be a major issue of discussion.
“The objective of the conference is to identify shortcomings, streamline processes and enhance inter-agency cooperation to ensure that Hajj 2026 is conducted with the highest standards of safety, efficiency and care,” the ministry said in its press note.
“The Ministry reiterates its unwavering commitment to the welfare of minority communities and to provide world-class facilities for all Indian Haj pilgrims. The outcome of the conference is expected to significantly strengthen the overall preparedness for the upcoming Haj season,” it said.
–IANS
SAS/DPB