MoS George Kurian Inaugurates Orientation-cum-Training Programme for Haj Deputationists for Haj 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

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Dated 16th February 2026

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

New Delhi | Today, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, inaugurated the Orientation – cum – Training Programme for Haj Deputationists for Haj 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The programme was organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs in the presence of senior officials, including Dr. C.S. Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shri Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs and Shri Ram Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Images Source : Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia on X)

The programme marked the formal beginning of preparations for Haj 2026. Around 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims are expected to perform Haj this year. The deputationists selected from various government departments will be deployed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for about two and a half months. They will work under the supervision of the Consulate General of India and provide important administrative and medical support to Indian pilgrims.

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In his inaugural address, Shri George Kurian said that Haj management is one of the largest and most complex operations undertaken by India abroad. He said the deputationists have a very important responsibility, as they serve thousands of Indian pilgrims and represent the Government of India in Saudi Arabia.

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The Minister highlighted several welfare measures introduced in recent years. These include special facilities for elderly pilgrims, including the provision of companions and improved arrangements for women pilgrims travelling without Mehram. He also said that the government is working with a whole-of-government approach involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure smooth Haj operations. Moreover, 600 government officials will be deployed to assist pilgrims during Haj 2026.

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Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, welcomed the deputationists and said that India is one of the largest contributors of Haj pilgrims in the world. He informed that preparations for Haj 2026 have been streamlined. He appreciated the cooperation of the Ministry of External Affairs, Saudi authorities and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah in ensuring proper arrangements.

Dr. Kumar also emphasized the importance of proper training for deputationists. He said audio-visual training modules, digital platforms and modern technology, including AI-enabled systems, are being used to improve Haj management. He advised deputationists to maintain discipline, cultural sensitivity and dignified conduct while performing their duties.

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Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary, MEA said that Haj is given the highest importance by the Government of India and requires close coordination between different ministries and stakeholders. Ram Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs highlighted the operational changes introduced for Haj 2026 and said the training programme is essential to help deputationists understand new guidelines and procedures issued by Saudi authorities.

The programme included training sessions on Haj management, duties of deputationists, healthcare arrangements, pilgrim safety and the use of digital systems such as the Haj Suvidha App and HMIS Portal. An interactive question-and-answer session was also held to clarify the responsibilities of deputationists.

Image Source : Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia on X)

The Orientation – cum – Training Programme for Haj Deputationists reflects the Government of India’s strong commitment to ensure proper arrangements, better coordination and a safe, smooth and comfortable Haj journey for all Indian pilgrims in 2026.

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid