If you are a frequent at the pilgrimages, especially, the Haj, there is a good news for you. Recently, the Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched a mobile application which will furnish information and facilitate e-payments for the pilgrimage.
“This is a major initiative in the government’s ‘Digital India’ programme,” he said. “The Ministry of Minority Affairs has joined Digital India campaign in a big way. We have made several processes regarding Haj digital/online. The Central government has been encouraging online applications for next Haj so that people can get an opportunity for the pilgrimage with complete transparency and comfort,” Mr Naqvi said.
“It is for the first time that Haj application process is going to be digital,” Mr Naqvi said during the launch of the event at Haj House in south Mumbai.
Applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment are the main features of the app. The application can be made directly on the app.
What will make the application process even more seamless for a family Five adults and two infants can apply as a group. Great. Isn’t it?
A PDF copy of the form will go to applicant’s email. After affixing the photo, the printout with documents is to be sent to the state Haj committees. Registration fees can also be paid through this app.
I foyu were wondering what’s so interesting? Out of all the applications received from across the nation for pilgrimage, 11% comprise of those who apply for Haj online. It is nearly about 45,843 people which apply for the pilgrimage visit to Haj.
“We have been making efforts to make the process of online application simple and easy so that more and more people can apply online for next Haj pilgrimage,” Naqvi said.
Maharashtra was at the top place regarding online applications for Haj 2016, with a total of 10,960 people having applied online.
Altogether 9,257 online applications had been received from Kerala; 5,407 from Uttar Pradesh; 2,983 from Telangana; 2,426 from Jammu and Kashmir and 2,425 online applications had been received from Gujarat last year.
“We have received several important suggestions on Haj pilgrimage and we are moving forward keeping in mind these suggestions,” Mr Naqvi said. Naqvi added, “Discussions are being held with officials of Civil Aviation Ministry to ensure aircraft with modern facilities for all Haj pilgrims”
The mobile app will be available on Google Play store from January 2. The next Haj schedule has already been announced. However, the last date for submitting applications is January 24.
A thoughtful step towards the Digital drive, which India is currently thriving on. Indeed an innovative step!
