Our reporter Asad Rehman in New Delhi is here with an update on proposed use of Artificial Intelligence for Haj pilgrim management next year.
His report says: The Ministry of Minority Affairs will use artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen end-to-end Haj pilgrim management, including a 24×7 multilingual voice-based support system in Hindi, Urdu and major regional languages, AI-assisted applications and documents verification, demand modelling for flight allocation across embarkation points, and real-time grievance tracking and escalation.
The announcement was made by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju after the Haj review meeting in Delhi on Thursday where deliberations were done on the conduct of Haj-2026 and on the roadmap for Haj-2027.
“To ensure there are no lapses in information flow, utilizing AI would be beneficial for seamless coordination between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of External Affairs, and our Ministry of Minority Affairs,” Rijiju said after the meeting.
“From the identification of priorities to the filing of the application… It will be automated — much like having a conversation with a machine. I won't go into the details right now because it requires a demonstration; it will feel just like a real conversation between you and me. We will provide a demonstration later,” the minister said.
Calling the introduction of AI for benefits of Hajj pilgrims a “revolutionary step”, Rijiju said: “We are bringing in this AI application, and I mention this because we are currently working on ways to explain and demonstrate it.”
Sources in the ministry said that more details regarding the use of AI will be shared after a nod from the Saudi Arabia government. “We have discussed certain aspects of how AI can be used, but it will be given final shape after a conversation and nod from the Saudi government,” said an official in the ministry.
After the meeting, Rijiju said he was satisfied with the successful conduct of Haj-2026, during which approximately 1.75 lakh Indian Haj pilgrims performed Haj.
The,; Indian Haj Mission was also conferred two Labbaytum Awards by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah under the “Best Haj Coordination and Communication” category, presented at the Khitamahu Misk ceremony marking the conclusion of the Haj season. “The award recognises the seamless facilitation and welfare of Indian pilgrims during Haj-2026 and underscores India’s sustained commitment to excellence in pilgrim service,” said Rijiju.
