Minister Abdurahiman Requests Extension for Haj Applications

Rapid Summary

• Deadline Extension Demand: State Minister for Haj pilgrimage V.abdurahiman has requested Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiran Rijiju to extend the deadline for Haj applicants, currently set at July 31, by at least 20 days.
• Reason for Deadline Extension: many potential applicants are delayed due to pending passports and technical issues with the online submission system.
• Current Application Statistics:

– Total applicants so far: 11,845.
– Seniors above age 65: 2,252.
– Women applying without mehram (male guardian): 1,519.
– General category applicants: 8,074.

• E-office Inauguration:

– The State Haj Committee’s e-office system was inaugurated on July 26 by District Collector V.R. Vinod.
– The new digital system was launched with the first sanction of funds through e-office for elevator maintenance at the Haj House.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The request to extend the deadline highlights logistical challenges in organizing large-scale pilgrimages amid increasing reliance on digital systems.With significant numbers still waiting for passports or facing technical hurdles in accessing online applications, extending the timeline could address practical barriers and allow more citizens-especially vulnerable groups like elderly individuals and women without mehram-to participate fairly.Additionally, transitioning administrative processes like fund approvals into digitized systems such as e-offices signals a push toward modernization within committee operations. Streamlined workflows may enhance efficiency but also require checks to ensure equitable access across varying technological proficiencies nationwide.

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