On Sunday, Smriti Zubin Irani, the Union Minority Affairs Minister, introduced the Haj Suvidha App, designed to offer essential information and direct access to vital services such as training modules, flight details, and accommodation for those embarking on the annual pilgrimage.
Irani launched a two-day Training of Trainers Programme at Vigyan Bhavan, in the presence of Minister of State for Minority Affairs, John Barla, as part of the preparations for Haj 2024. The program saw participation from over 550 trainers from various states and Union Territories, as per an official statement.
The aim of the Training of Trainers Programme is to sensitize and educate the trainers responsible for further instructing Haj pilgrims. This initiative ensures that pilgrims are well-informed about the pilgrimage and have a fulfilling experience, the statement highlighted.
In line with the government’s aim to enhance the Haj experience, Irani said the Haj Suvidha App is designed to benefit all Haj pilgrims. Developed by BISAG-N under Irani’s guidance, the app is expected to revolutionize the pilgrimage experience, providing crucial information and access to services like training modules, flight details, accommodation, emergency helpline, and health at the pilgrims’ fingertips.
The app is anticipated to eradicate common challenges faced by pilgrims during their journey, allowing them to concentrate more on their spiritual journey rather than mundane tasks such as travel logistics and document management, especially beneficial for first-time pilgrims, the statement elaborated.
Irani also introduced the Haj Guide-2024, aimed at informing pilgrims about various aspects of the pilgrimage, emphasizing the use of the Haj Suvidha App. Available in 10 languages, the guide will be distributed to all Haj pilgrims.
Addressing the gathering, Irani highlighted the government’s efforts, including providing direct feedback from pilgrims, to ensure a transparent, uniform, cost-efficient, safe, and spiritual Haj pilgrimage.
She acknowledged the increased enthusiasm and participation among pilgrims in the Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) category as evidence of the government’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in Haj.
Irani emphasized that the Haj Suvidha App will improve access to facilities, enhance administrative coordination and control, and provide immediate grievance responses and emergency responses for pilgrims.
She stressed the importance of training and urged trainers to put their best efforts in preparing every Haj pilgrim for a safe, peaceful, and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
To enhance training effectiveness, the ratio of trainers per pilgrim has been reduced from 1:300 to 1:150, a move expected to significantly enhance the Haj experience for Indian pilgrims, the statement concluded.
