Govt initiates Hajj 2021 process

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has sought Expression of Interests (EoIs) from scheduled banks for collection of government scheme Hajj dues.

The interested banks, having at least 250 branches across the country with online facilities at the tehsil level, should submit applications to the ministry by February 12, 2021.

The successful bank would collect Hajj dues from the intending pilgrims in installments and place the amounts in Sharia-compliant remunerative account, whereas Hajj dues of unsuccessful applicants to be placed in Sharia-based PLS account. The Hajj applicants would only be eligible for balloting after depositing full Hajj dues.

Banks must establish counters at designated branches to collect Hajj applications online. They shall also establish Hajj booths at Haji camps with identification boards and bear all expenses relating to its establishment and utilization of resources at each Haji camp. These Hajj booths shall enter the details of the differential amount paid to the intending pilgrims online on the ministry’s website.

The banks shall enter data of unsuccessful applicants online on the ministry’s website on daily basis, to calculate the diminishing balance, otherwise, banks shall not be considered in the next year's operation.

Banks shall establish a secure network VPN (Virtual Private Network) with the ministry for online website access. The banks shall pay VPN and other charges direct to Punjab Information Technology Board.

The banks shall establish a “Hajj Cell” at controlling branch of at least three people.

The contact numbers and email of this staff shall be communicated to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony within a week of its selection.