New Delhi: Karnataka Health Minister UT Khader met Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi and discussed minority welfare initiatives in the state and measures to improve services for Haj pilgrims.
In a post on X, Khader said he thanked Rijiju for the arrangements for Haj 2026-27 and submitted representations on pending issues, including catering, smartwatches, larger aircraft from Bengaluru and reopening Mangaluru as an embarkation point.
Khader also sought approval for the Karnataka State Haj Committee to organise Umrah pilgrimages on a no-profit, no-loss basis to protect pilgrims from excessive costs and potential exploitation.
He urged the Centre to expedite approval for 25 pending projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), worth ₹294.53 crore, and sought greater support for skill development under PM VIKAS.
The meeting also discussed organising a National Minority Ministers’ Conference and interfaith conferences across states to promote mutual understanding, communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
According to Khader, Rijiju appreciated the Karnataka State Haj Committee’s work and assured him that a separate meeting would be held to address Haj-related concerns. The Union minister also assured discussions with the Prime Minister on the pending PMJVK projects.
Khader said the Karnataka government, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, remained committed to strengthening minority welfare, improving pilgrim services, expanding skill development opportunities and ensuring timely implementation of welfare projects.
