The Centre has for the first time decided to allow women pilgrims over the age of 45 to undertake the pilgrimage in groups of at least four sans 'Mehram' and started accepting applications under the category for next year's Haj though the Haj Committee of India (HCoI).
The term Mehram refers to a male, a woman cannot marry in her life (i.e. father, brother or son etc). Till now, women pilgrims would be required to be accompanied by 'Mehram' during the annual pilgrimage.
Until now, 180 women have applied to travel without 'Mehram'. Among these, 164 applicants come from Kerala. From Uttar Pradesh, 8 women have submitted applications, while from Assam and West Bengal four women each have expressed interest in travelling without Mehram.
Kerala-based Safiya, who has applied under this category with three other members, is elated with the government's step.
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She said some of her team members are widows or do not have sons and could not undertake the pilgrimage for want of a Mehram.
India has a Haj quota of 1.70 lakh. But the number of Haj aspirants has always been much higher. Therefore, the applicants are short-listed through a computer-generated lottery.
The Haj Committee of India received nearly five lakh applications for Haj 2017, sources said.
Speaking to PTI, Union minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi called the move as a "very good reform.".
The minister said the feedback the government has received from applicants till now is also "very encouraging".
The minister assured that both the governments of Saudi Arabia and India will ensure proper safety of women pilgrims.
"Smooth and safe for all Haj is our priority," he said.
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