Union Minister Kiren Rijiju chairs Haj Review Meeting
The Ministry of Minority Affairs convened the Haj Review New Delhi, under the chairpersonship of Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, to review the conduct of Haj-2026 and to deliberate upon the roadmap for Haj-2027.
Dr. Srivatsa Krishna, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs; Ms. Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs; senior officials from the Ministries of Minority Affairs, External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Health & Family Welfare and Home Affairs; and representatives of the Haj Committee of India, BISAG-N and other stakeholders participated in the deliberations.
The Union Minister expressed satisfaction over the successful conduct of Haj-2026, during which approximately 1.75 lakh Indian Haj pilgrims performed Haj and credited it to the dedicated and coordinated efforts of all the Ministries and departments concerned, the Haj Committee of India, the State Haj Committees, the Indian Haj Mission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi authorities, whose collective contribution ensured a smooth, safe and dignified pilgrimage.
In a historic first, the Indian Haj Mission was conferred two Labbaytum Awards by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the “Best Haj Coordination and Communication” category, presented at the Khitamahu Misk ceremony marking the conclusion of the Haj season. 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.
Haj-2026 saw the introduction of several pilgrim-centric measures. Sofa-cum-beds were provided in Mina, enhancing comfort during the most demanding days of Haj; 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 Haj Package were introduced, the package being availed by about 10,500 pilgrims, mainly working professionals.(UPDATED ON 18TH JUNE 2026)
