MALAPPURAM: Major parts of Haj affairs will be shifted from Union ministry of external affairs (MEA) to the ministry of minority affairs by next month, sources at the Haj cell say. The process is in progress and will be completed by June, ending a long fight between the two. The MEA was not in favour of the transfer of Hajj to minority ministry during the UPA governments as it involves dealing with a foreign nation.
“The decision has been taken by the Central government and procedures of the transferring Haj affairs to minority affairs ministry are in progress,” Ataur Rahman, CEO of the Haj Committee of India, told Deccan Chronicle. He said he was not sure about a timeframe set for the completion of the process.
The Haj panel has been working with the MEA to facilitate the annual pilgrimage for long. Some fear the transfer of responsibility to another minister could affect the coordination and timely delivery of services. Kerala Haj Committee chair Kottumala Bappu Musliyar is hopeful that the shifting would benefit pilgrims as the ministry is for dealing exclusively with minority issues. “We have to wait and see what would be its outcome. I am hopeful and at the same time a bit sceptic,” he said.
