Lok Sabha Question No. 1888 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-14
Subject: Haj Slots for Women Without Mahram
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dharambir Singh, Umesh G. Jadhav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1888

## ANSWERED ON 14.12.2023

## HAJ SLOTS FOR WOMEN WITHOUT MAHRAM

## 1888. SHRI DHARAMBIR SINGH: DR. UMESH G. JADHAV:

Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  recent  allocation  of  more  than  4000  Haj  slots  for  Women  Without  Mahram (WWM) signifies changing societal dynamics and if so, the details thereof;

(b)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote  women's  empowerment  in  this  context especially among women belonging to Minority Communities; and (c) the details of number of beneficiaries from Karnataka?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a)  &  (b):  the  Lady  without  Mehram  (LWM)  category  was  introduced  in  Haj  2018  by  the Government of India and since then there has been an emphasis on encouraging more and more women  to  apply  under  this  category.  In  2023,  a  historical  high  of  more  than  4000  women successfully applied under LWM category.

Traditionally, a major deterrent for increased participation of Muslim women was their dependence  on  an  accompanying  male  haji,  i.e.  mehram  for  performing  this  sacred  religious pilgrimage. This restriction was done away by Government of India by allowing ladies of forty five (45) years of age or above to apply without Mehram for Haj in 2018 wherein provision was made for eligible women to perform pilgrimage under LWM category in groups of four (4).

In Haj-2023, for the first time, the Government of India allowed single eligible women also  to  apply  for  Haj  -2023  under  the  LWM  category . This  step  resulted  in  an  all  time  high participation with more than 4000 successful women applicants in Haj 2023, leading to greater confidence, personal freedom and increased social mobility. These initiatives have also acted as positive enablers for gender inclusivity and women empowerment.

In addition to encouraging applications under the LWM category,  the following measures have been taken administratively to enable further ease and convenience of pilgrims under the LWM category:-

- i. Simplification of the process of registration of  Application of any single eligible  Lady Pilgrim, who intends to apply under the LWM category.
- ii. Dedicated Flights were operated from designated Embarkation Points with Lady Khadimul-Hujjaj  on  board  to  aid  and  assist  ladies  during  their  Air  Travel  to  the  Kingdom  of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
- iii. Dedicated  Buildings  were  provided  for  lodging  only  Lady  Without  Mehram  Category Hajis.  Dedicated  lady  coordinators,  Haj  Officers,  Haj  Assistants  and  Khadim  ul  Hujjaj were deployed for the safety and security of these lady pilgrims and their belongings.  In addition, lady doctors, nurses and paramedics were deployed in these buildings to look after the health and hygiene issues.
- iv. Special buses were arranged for transport of LWM Category pilgrims during their stay, wherever required, in Saudi Arabia.

(c): Out of a total of 7,120 pilgrims who proceeded on Haj from Karnataka in 2023 through Haj Committee of India, a total of 119 were under the LWM Category.

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