Haj Committee Role Discussed

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (GaeaTimes.com)- State for External Affairs minister of India Shashi Tharoor has reached Saudi Arabia and met Fouad Al-Farsi, the Haj minister of the nation, to discuss matters related to the current pilgrimage season and the role of the Haj Committee. Both the sides discussed their views on the Indian pilgrims. Shashi Tharoor signed a deal that will enable 1,60,000 pilgrims from India to go to Haj this year. He was with members of Parliament Madani Mahmood Hussain, Mohsina Kidwai and Talmiz Ahmad, the Indian ambassador. Private tour operators will aid the pilgrims attending Haj. The ministry of Haj has received applications for an extra quota.

In the last year near about 3,57,000 applicants applied for Haj and 160,000 of them were selected. Shashi Tharoor said that the discussion with the Haj Minister has proved to be helpful and encouraging. He also pointed out that the expansion work going on in Makkah will result in improving the facilities for the Indian pilgrims. Saudi Arabia hosts several million of Pilgrims each year and the minister admitted that the nation is doing a great job of it. The Haj Committee also plays a pivotal role behind selecting the pilgrims and accommodating them.

The agreement deals with various aspects of the pilgrimage including air travel, welfare and health care. Both Air India and Saudi Arabian Airlines will carry the pilgrims. A third airline may be pressed into service but that is not yet finalized. The Indian pilgrims comprise of a major part of the Haj Pilgrims and the Haj Committee plays a crucial role behind the management.