White paper on black money tabled in Lok Sabha

May 21, 2012

lok


New Delhi, May 21: Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Monday tabled in the Lok Sabha a white paper on the government's strategy on bringing back black money stashed away abroad.

After demands from the opposition for an authoritative report on how the government was dealing with the issue, the finance minister, during the debate on the Finance Bill 2012-13, had promised to table a white paper on black money.

The government has commissioned a study to figure out the quantum of black money stashed away abroad. This is expected to be completed by September.

The study is being separately conducted by three government-run institutes - the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, the National Institute of Financial Management and the National Council for Applied Economic Research.New Delhi, May 21, 2012 (IANS)

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Monday tabled in the Lok Sabha a white paper on the government's strategy on bringing back black money stashed away abroad.

After demands from the opposition for an authoritative report on how the government was dealing with the issue, the finance minister, during the debate on the Finance Bill 2012-13, had promised to table a white paper on black money.

The government has commissioned a study to figure out the quantum of black money stashed away abroad. This is expected to be completed by September.

The study is being separately conducted by three government-run institutes - the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, the National Institute of Financial Management and the National Council for Applied Economic Research.

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News Network
December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•    Location tracking
•    Pedometer
•    SOS emergency button
•    Qibla compass
•    Prayer timings
•    Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•    Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•    Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•    Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•    Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1.    Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2.    Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•    Training modules
•    Accommodation and flight details
•    Baggage information
•    SOS and translation tools
•    Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•    India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•    70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•    30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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