In a new year gift to the Muslim women across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcd yesterday that Muslim women can now leave for their holy Haj pilgrimage without the mandatory escort of menfolk.

The important announcement came during the PM's monthly address Mann Ki Bath to the nation via radio.For many years, Muslim women are allowed to go to Haj only with males as escorts. It's a injustice to women; when I heard about it for the first time, I wondered who would have framed such regulations. When I dwelt deep on the issue, I was in for more surprises.

Nobody bothered to remove these shackles around Muslim women despite 70 years as an Independent country. Even Muslim countries don't have such restrictions. The Centre, thus, does away with this ritual with immediate effect. Muslim women above 45 can now leave for Haj pilgrimage without males as escorts. It may appear as a small issue but it would present a wrong picture abroad about our country.

"I'm happy to note that 1,300 Muslim women have appealed for permission to go to Haj this year; I have asked the Ministry of Minorities to accord permission to them on priority basis. Usually, Haj pilgrims are chosen randomly from lots; however, as a special consideration, this year I have asked that all of them be permitted to go on Haj.Without women, India's march towards progress can't be a reality and as such, they deserve equal rights and opportunities," Modi said.