(a) whether Indian Haj Committee has introduced an array of reforms in connection
with Haj;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the schemes formulated by the Government to make Haj Pilgrimage more transparent,
smooth and flexible?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)
(a) Yes.
(b) As per directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, an affidavit was filed in the
Supreme Court on April 12, 2012 wherein it was stated that the number of pilgrimages
to a Haj applicant through the Haj Committee of India (HCOI) be restricted to “once in
a life time†as against the existing “once in five years†. This will ensure that
applicants who have never performed Haj will get the benefit of performing Haj through
HCOI. This clause has been introduced from Haj-2013. Secondly, all applicants have
been asked to enclose a copy of a cancelled cheque along with the Haj Application Form
to ensure faster issue of refunds, if any, to the designated bank account of the
applicant during Haj-2013.
(c) It is the constant endeavour of the Government to conduct the Haj operations in an
efficient and transparent manner. Improvements are incorporated on the basis of
experience acquired in successive Haj operations with a view to provide the pilgrims
with better services in each ensuing Haj pilgrimage.