The Haj Committee Ladakh organised a Hajj Feedback Programme for the 2025 pilgrims at the Conference Hall, Baroo, Kargil, on December 12, to review the facilities and services provided during this year’s Holy Haj pilgrimage.

The programme was attended by Member Haj Committee Ladakh, Mohd Ali Chandan, and Member Haj Committee, Zaheer Hussain Babar, along with a large gathering of Hajis who recently returned from the pilgrimage.

During the interactive session, the Hajis expressed deep gratitude to the Government of India for ensuring smooth arrangements during the pilgrimage. They extended special thanks to Haji Ali Majaz, Chairperson, Haj Committee Ladakh, for his dedicated efforts in facilitating seamless services for pilgrims from the Union Territory.

A major public demand reiterated during the session was the construction of a Haj House in Kargil and the establishment of a Passport Seva Kendra, both essential for easing travel formalities and documentation for the residents of the district. Participants also stressed that the Hajj Inspector must possess adequate knowledge of Haj rituals and recommended the involvement of religious scholars or individuals with prior Hajj experience.

While acknowledging that overall arrangements — including accommodation and amenities — were satisfactory, the pilgrims suggested improvements that could further enhance the experience. They also thanked Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, for ensuring smooth Haj arrangements despite Indo-Pak tensions last year and for facilitating special flights during crucial periods.

The Hajis also recommended increasing the number of doctors and paramedical staff assigned to Ladakhi pilgrims to strengthen medical aid.

A detailed feedback form was distributed covering key service areas including, Embarkation point, Madina accommodation, Madina–Makkah bus services, Aziziyah accommodation, Transport facilities between Aziziyah, Haram and Mina, Mina and Arafat tent services, Muzdalifah night stay, Jamarat movement and return arrangements, SHI services, Mobile and internet connectivity, and Medical services across all locations.

Chairperson Haji Ali Majaz thanked the Hajis for their valuable suggestions and assured them that all feedback would be incorporated to improve future arrangements. He noted that while the Haj Suvidha App was useful, it required upgrades to better support users unfamiliar with smartphones.

He informed the attendees that the proposal for constructing a Haj House in Kargil has already been initiated, with the land allotment file under process and further steps to follow after approval from LAHDC Kargil.

He further announced that the Passport Seva Kendra for Kargil has been approved, with the first floor of the Post Office Kargil identified as its location. Operations are expected to begin by May next year.

Haji Ali Majaz also highlighted that throughout 2025, regular passport camps were organised in Kargil by RPO Srinagar, benefitting thousands of residents.