New Delhi

Indians planning the Hajj pilgrimage will have to pay at least Rs 1 lakh less than what it cost last time for their travel to and stay in Saudi Arabia to perform the most sacred obligation of Islam.

This was decided in principle at the Hajj Conference 2023 convened by Minister for Minority Affairs Smriti Zubin Irani in Delhi on Saturday.

The meeting also decided to stop the centralized embarkation of pilgrims from metropolitan cities and allow them to take flights from their nearest available airports.

Addressing the conference where representatives of the State Hajj committee and officials were present, Smriti Irani said that the Hajj journey needs to be made a hassle--free experience for pilgrims.

She said that the Hajj journey needs to be made cheaper, easier, and more enjoyable and the cost of Hajj which is Rs 4 lakh needs to be brought down to at least Rs 3 lakh.

According to sources, Irani expressed his displeasure over two things. The first is that a hefty amount is charged to pilgrims for the handling of the baggage and umbrella.

Another is to send everyone from the airport of their choice. Irani said these steps will not only reduce the expenses of the pilgrims but also provide them with better facilities.

The meeting also decided to set up a women's committee to facilitate women traveling alone. It may be recalled that Saudi Arabia has relaxed rules and allowed women pilgrims to come for Hajj alone. Earlier they had to be accompanied by a ‘Mehram’ (custodian). The committee will provide hajj-related facilities to the women pilgrims and address their complaints related to the journey.

The Haj Conference was attended by the Chairman and CEOs of the State Haj Committee, senior officials of the Haj Committee of India, officials of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian ambassadors, and consulates in Saudi Arabia.

Smriti also wants an investigation into the alleged corruption in the sale of items to pilgrims. She promised to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

The role of the Baggage Committee has been disbanded and the pilgrims will be asked to buy their stuff.

To bring down the cost of pilgrimage, the Hajj Conference has decided to reduce the fee of the educator and work on reducing the cost of lodging and boarding, and transportation in Saudi Arabia.

All state representatives asked for more embarkation points for the pilgrims flying to Mecca, as part of making the travel and pilgrimage cost-effective.

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It may be recalled that Smriti Irani is the first non-Muslim minister of Minority affairs.