Haj Committee now under Minority Affairs Ministry

New Delhi: In further strengthening the role of the Kiren Rijiju-led Ministry of Minority Affairs, the government on Friday notified the latter as a nodal ministry instead of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), for the Haj Committee.

Earlier, the work related to management of Haj pilgrimage, including administration of the Haj Committee Act, 2002, and rules made thereunder was handled by the MEA.

In its order, the minority affairs ministry noted, "These rules may be called the Haj Committee (Amendment) Rules, 2024. In the Haj Committee Rules, 2002, the words 'Ministry of External Affairs', the words 'Ministry of Minority Affairs' shall be substituted."

It further said, "The Ministry of Minority Affairs in the central government shall request Union ministries of external affairs, home affairs, finance and civil aviation to nominate one officer each, not below the rank of the joint secretary to the government of India, serving in the respective ministries, as ex- officio members of the committee.."