Srinagar, Aug 06 (KNO): In a significant development, the Government of India has announced that Indian Muslims can perform Haj through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) only once in their lifetime under the new Haj policy 2025.
According to the policy draft, a copy of which also lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the policy outlines new regulations for seat allocation, eligibility and procedural improvements to ensure smoother and equitable Haj pilgrimage.
"Those who have performed Hajj earlier through HCol will not be eligible to apply," the Haj 2025 policy states.
The policy however, has given exemption for repeated Hajj pilgrimage under specific circumstances for companions and "Mehrams" (male guardians) accompanying female pilgrims and those aged 65 or above, adding it says that Hajj is an arduous and strenuous pilgrimage involving walking up to 25 km in a day in extremely harsh climatic conditions of KSA and hence it would be mandatory for pilgrims aged 65 or above (including such LWM pilgrims) to be accompanied by a companion.
“In the case of "Mehram" for lady pilgrims and companions of the pilgrims aged 65 years or above, including ladies without Mehram (LWM) pilgrims aged 65 years or above, repeaters will be allowed on payment of additional charges as applicable from time to time,” reads the policy.
The new Hajj policy further states that the age of the "Mehram" and companions accompanying pilgrims aged 65 years or above must be 18 to 60 years as on the date specified by HCol.
However, the policy outlines that companions accompanying LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above must be female and between the age of 45 to 60 years.
The policy document mentions that if a lady pilgrim or pilgrims aged 65 or above is utilising the services of a repeater as "Mehram" or companion as the case may be, she must give a solemn undertaking to the effect that no first time "Mehram" or companion, as applicable, is available in the family.
The policy maintains the distribution of Haj seats, with 70% allocated to the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) and 30% to Haj Group Organisers (HGOs).
The policy mandates that pilgrims aged 65 or above must be accompanied by a companion aged between 18 to 60 years. Female pilgrims aged 45 or above travelling without a "Mehram" are allowed to travel in groups, with specific provisions for their safety and accommodation—(KNO)