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Hajj

GPS-Enabled Smartwatch Mandatory for Indian Hajj Pilgrims Draws Complaints Over Technical Issues

GPS-Enabled Smartwatch Mandatory for Indian Hajj Pilgrims Draws Complaints Over Technical Issues

By The Observer Post

|

On May 10, 2026

The Hajj Committee of India has asked all pilgrims travelling for Hajj 2026 to deposit an additional ₹10,000 due to a rise in airfare costs. In an official circular issued on April 28, the committee said the increase comes after a one-time fare revision approved by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The hike includes an additional $100 (around ₹10,000) per pilgrim and will apply to all embarkation points across the country. Officials said the decision was taken after airlines cited a sharp rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Airlines Had Sought Higher Increase According to officials, airlines had initially demanded a fare hike of over $400 per passenger due to rising operational costs. However, after discussions, authorities approved only a partial increase, passing on a smaller burden to pilgrims. All selected pilgrims have been directed to deposit the additional amount by May 15, 2026. Payments can be made through the official Hajj portal, the Hajj Suvidha app, or through designated bank branches such as State Bank of India and Union Bank of India. State Hajj Committees have been instructed to inform pilgrims and ensure compliance within the deadline. Over 1.75 Lakh Pilgrims to Travel This Year This year, around 1,75,025 pilgrims from India are expected to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. With the additional ₹10,000 charge, the total financial impact on pilgrims is estimated to be nearly ₹175 crore. The pilgrimage process has already begun, with the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir departing from Srinagar on April 18. Owaisi Criticises Move, Calls It “Exploitation” Reacting to the decision, Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticised the additional charge and demanded that the circular be withdrawn. “The Haj Committee is demanding an additional ₹10,000 from Haj pilgrims as ‘differential airfare’. This is despite collecting ₹90,844 per pilgrim earlier from Mumbai embarkation point. This is almost double the prevalent rates for individual travellers,” he said. Owaisi questioned whether pilgrims were being penalised for choosing the official route. “Most pilgrims are not wealthy; they save money for years to go for Hajj. This is not a luxury for them. This is just exploitation and nothing else,” he added, urging authorities to refund the extra amount.

Hajj Committee of India Asks Pilgrims to Pay ₹10,000 Extra for Hajj 2026 Amid Airfare Hike

By The Observer Post

|

On April 30, 2026

saudi arabia Hajj India VISA

Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Reopens Portal for 10,000 More Indian Pilgrims After Govt Intervention

By The Observer Post

|

On April 15, 2025

saudi arabia Hajj India VISA

Indian Muslims Can Perform Haj Only Once via HCoI: Haj Policy 2025

By The Observer Post

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On August 7, 2024

Over 550 Hajj Pilgrims Die in Mecca as Temperatures Near 52 Degrees

By The Observer Post

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On June 19, 2024

hajj

5,162 women to go for Hajj without ‘mahram’ in 2024: Haj Committee

By The Observer Post

|

On January 30, 2024

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A controversy has erupted in a government-run PM Shri school in Sambhal after allegations surfaced that students were being encouraged to participate in religious activities linked to Islam during morning assembly. Following a viral video and complaints, the district administration suspended the school principal, an assistant teacher, and the acting headmaster, while also registering an FIR against them. The matter relates to PM Shri Vidyalaya located in Jalab Sarai under the Nakhasa police station area. The controversy began after a video circulated on social media showing children reciting the Urdu prayer “Lab pe aati hai dua ban ke tamanna meri,” a famous poem written by poet Muhammad Iqbal. Some right-wing groups and local complainants alleged that Islamic prayers were being conducted in place of the national anthem and that girl students were being encouraged to wear hijabs while some boys wore skullcaps during assembly. Administration Orders Action After Inquiry According to officials, the Basic Education Officer conducted a surprise inspection after the video went viral online. During the inquiry, allegations emerged that religious activities were allegedly being promoted inside the school premises, leading to concerns about violation of government education rules. District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal confirmed that a three-member committee headed by the Chief Development Officer has been formed to investigate the matter in detail. Principal Mohammad Anjar Ahmad and assistant teacher Mohammad Gul Ejaz were suspended pending investigation. Acting headmaster Valesh Kumar was also suspended for alleged negligence and failure to stop the activities. FIR Registered Under BNS Sections Police said a case has been registered at Nakhasa police station under sections 353(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities stated that the complaint accused the teachers of involvement in religious activities that allegedly created religious discord within the school. Additional Superintendent of Police Kuldeep Singh said, “A complaint was submitted by the Block Education Officer regarding the alleged involvement of the principal and assistant teacher in certain religious activities. Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and investigation is underway.” Officials further stated that the alleged acts may violate provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, Article 28 of the Constitution, and Uttar Pradesh Government Servants Conduct Rules.

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