New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday chaired a meeting to deliberate upon the roadmap for Hajj-2027 and analyse the pilgrimage conducted this year.

At the review meeting held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC) in Delhi, the Union Minister expressed satisfaction over the successful conduct of Hajj-2026, during which 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims performed Hajj, said an official statement.

Rijiju credited the successful conduct of the Hajj-2026 to the dedicated and coordinated efforts of all the Ministries and departments concerned, the Hajj Committee of India, the State Hajj Committees, the Indian Hajj Mission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi authorities, whose collective contribution ensured a smooth, safe and dignified pilgrimage.

Srivatsa Krishna, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs; Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs; senior officials from the Ministries of Minority Affairs, External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Health and Family Welfare and Home Affairs; and representatives of the Hajj Committee of India, BISAG-N and other stakeholders participated in the deliberations.

In a historic first, the Indian Hajj Mission was conferred two Labbaytum Awards by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the “Best Hajj Coordination and Communication” category, presented at the Khitamahu Misk ceremony marking the conclusion of the Hajj season, according to an official statement.

The award recognises the seamless facilitation and welfare of Indian pilgrims during Haj-2026 and underscores India’s sustained commitment to excellence in pilgrim service.

Hajj-2026 introduced several pilgrim-centric measures. Sofa-cum-beds were provided in Mina, enhancing comfort during the most demanding days of Hajj; 62,500 pilgrims travelled from Makkah to Madinah by high-speed railway, considerably shortening the journey; and hotel-style accommodation in Makkah and a 20-day Short Hajj Package were introduced, the package being availed by about 10,500 pilgrims, mainly working professionals.

Technology-driven reforms further enhanced transparency, safety and service delivery, including integration with the Saudi Nusuk platform, online flight booking and a strengthened digital grievance redressal mechanism, said the statement.

All Indian pilgrims in Madinah were accommodated in the Markazia area, ensuring better accessibility and convenience.

–IANS

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