KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Nov 28: In a significant policy update for Hajj 2025, the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has reserved 500 seats under the Mehram Quota to facilitate female pilgrims who were previously unable to apply due to certain constraints. The initiative aims to support women intending to perform Hajj alongside their Mehram (male guardian).
During the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, 49 female pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir were facilitated under this quota, although no fixed seat allocation existed for the Union Territory at the time. A senior official from J&K’s Hajj Committee confirmed the facilitation and welcomed the formalized allocation for 2025.
Purpose of the Mehram Quota
According to the circular issued by HCoI, the Mehram Quota is designed to address cases where women were unable to apply for Hajj due to issues such as unavailable passports, while their Mehrams successfully applied and were selected.
The policy allows these women to join their selected Mehrams under the 500-seat allocation for the 2025 Hajj. Without this provision, such women would face challenges in performing the pilgrimage in subsequent years due to the absence of a Mehram.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
The HCoI has outlined detailed eligibility criteria and application procedures for women applying under the Mehram Quota:
- Eligibility:
- The applicant must not have performed Hajj previously, regardless of the organizing entity (HCoI, Haj Group Organizers, or others).
- She must meet all other criteria required for Hajj-2025 applications.
- Online Application:
- Applications must be submitted online via the HCoI’s official website (https://hajcommittee.gov.in).
- The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM, December 9, 2024. Handwritten or typed applications will not be accepted.
- Required Documents:
- A valid, machine-readable Indian passport (valid at least until January 15, 2026).
- Scanned copies of the first and last pages of the passport.
- A recent passport-sized photograph, proof of address, and a document establishing the relationship with the Mehram.
- Additional Conditions:
- A cover (group) can include up to five pilgrims. Women cannot apply for covers already containing five individuals.
Selection Process
State and UT Haj Committees will verify and recommend applications to HCoI by December 11, 2024. The HCoI will review applications on merit and allocate seats subject to availability. If the number of applications exceeds the 500-seat quota, a Digital Random Selection process will determine the final allotment.
Safeguards and Accountability
The circular emphasizes the role of State/UT Haj Committees in verifying applications thoroughly, as discrepancies discovered later will hold the respective committees accountable.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to enhance inclusivity and accessibility for Hajj pilgrims, ensuring that more women can fulfill their spiritual aspirations with ease and dignity.
