SRINAGAR: The Union Government on Wednesday informed Parliament that the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) continues to function as a statutory body constituted under the Haj Committee Act, 2002, and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Replying to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the previous Haj Committee was constituted on April 1, 2022, for a three-year term, which ended on March 31, 2025. The minister explained that the Haj Committee’s composition, defined in Section 4 of the Act, ensures representation from across the country’s Muslim community through a mix of elected, nominated and ex-officio members.
The Committee includes three Muslim Members of Parliament — two nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and one by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Nine Muslim members are elected from states with the largest number of pilgrims and different zones as laid out in the law. In addition, four senior officials representing the Ministries of External Affairs, Home, Finance and Civil Aviation serve as ex officio members. Seven other Muslim members are nominated by the Centre, including experts in administration, finance, education, culture, social work, theology and law, with mandated representation for Shia Muslims and women.
The term of office for members, excluding ex officio nominees, is three years, though it may be extended by the Centre through notification for up to one year in exceptional circumstances. Rijiju noted that this statutory composition provides balanced representation of different Muslim communities and regions, ensuring that the Committee reflects national diversity.
The minister further outlined the Committee’s responsibilities, which include overseeing arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims within the country and coordinating with a wide range of government agencies. These agencies include the Ministry of Civil Aviation for flight operations, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for medical facilities, and the Ministry of External Affairs and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah for diplomatic and consular support. The Committee also liaises directly with Saudi authorities to facilitate arrangements in Makkah, Madinah and other holy sites.
Rijiju said the integrated planning and coordination between the Hajj Committee and various government bodies ensures the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage for thousands of Indian pilgrims every year.
