Unequal haj cost: PM’s intervention sought

Nagpur: Even as the Haj Committee of India (HCI) and minority affairs ministry continued to draw flak from different quarters over unequal pricing for different embarkation points (EPs), organizations and politicians have sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention in the matter. They also demanded global tenders for flying haj pilgrims.
Activists and politicians say that global tenders will ensure cheaper airfares to Mecca. Recently, the HCI has notified different charges for haj pilgrims from 22 EPs. This led to Nagpur and Aurangabad pilgrims paying a high amount for the religious tour undertaken using lifetime savings.
Former minister Anees Ahmed said this is the first time that pilgrims are being financially burdened. “Uniformity in charges across India is a must. So far, the external affairs ministry used to handle the process. This time the minority affairs ministry, and civil aviation ministry are making the arrangements. During my tenure, global tenders used to be invited and different airlines used to participate in the process,” he said.
Ahmed said that he would raise the matter with deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. “I have already spoken with minority development minister Abdul Sattar and haj committee CEO,” he said.
Activist Shahid Shariff, who is founder of the Elite Muslim organization, has written to the Prime Minister’s office seeking global tendering to cut the expenses on airfare. “This move will benefit haj pilgrims,” he said.
Khadimul Hujjaj Vidarbha led by its president Bari Patel, secretary Javed Akhtar, Atique Qureshi, general secretary, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, and Nazim Ansari also submitted a representation to the divisional commissioner. The organization also alleged “looting of haj pilgrims by the HCI”.
Mohammad Arif Khan, former state minister for minority development, too alleged a huge scam in his letter to PM Modi. “There is anger among pilgrims. I request you to personally direct the concerned ministry. Sources say there is corruption in hotel bookings at Mecca and Madina,” Khan’s letter reads.