Lok Sabha Question No. 218 (STARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Facilities to Haj Pilgrims
Ministry: MINORITY AFFAIRS
Asked by: E. AHAMED

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 218 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## Facilities to Haj Pilgrims

## *218.  SHRI E AHAMED:

- Will the Minister of MINORITY AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) the details of facilities and services provided to Indian Haj Pilgrims; (b)  whether  such  facilities  and  services  are  deficient  as  compared  to  those provided by other countries to their Haj Pilgrims and if so, the details in this regard; and
- (c) the corrective action being taken in the matter?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)

- (a) to (c)  A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.218 FOR 30.11.2016 RAISED BY SHRI E. AHAMED REGARDING FACILITIES TO HAJ PILGRIMS

- (a) Government of India takes a number of measures for the welfare of the Indian Haj  pilgrims  both  in  India  and  in  Saudi  Arabia.  The  Indian  Haj  pilgrims  are provided all basic facilities and services for their smooth, safe and comfortable Haj experience. Haj Committee  of  India  (HCOI)  is  empowered  to  make arrangements for the pilgrims only in India under present norms. Haj Committee of  India  invites  application  from  the  intending  Haj  pilgrims,  make  selection  of pilgrims for Haj and make arrangements for their Haj Visa, accommodation and transport in Makkah and Madinah, Group Insurance, vaccination, stainless steel Bracelets/  tri-colour  identity  cards  for  identification  of  the  pilgrims  in  close coordination with State/ Union Territory Haj Committees. It also facilitates their passport,  foreign  exchange  in  Saudi  Riyals  and  conduct  orientation/  training programmes.  Ministry  of  Civil  Aviation  supervises  the  Air  Charter  operations during Haj period and deploys officials in Saudi Arabia to assist in embarkation and  disembarkation  of  pilgrims  through  21  Embarkation  points  across  India. Consulate  General  of  India,  Jeddah,  has  the  responsibility  to  look  after  the pilgrims and to redress their grievances on reaching Jeddah /Madinah Munawwarah  airport  and  while  they  are  in  the  Kingdom  of  Saudi  Arabia. Government of India deputes administrative and medical staff during Haj Season in the form of Haj Assistant/ Assistant Haj Officer / Doctor/ para-medical staff for providing round-the-clock facilities to Haj pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Consulate General of India also provides various medical facilities to the Indian Haj  pilgrims.  Temporary  Haj  Medical  Mission  offices  are  opened  during  Haj season for the purpose.
- (b) and (c) No comparison of facilities and services provided to Indian Haj pilgrims can be made with other countries as the total number of pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia from different countries and their socio-economic and cultural background varies  from  country  to  country.  However,  quality,  facilities  and  services  are provided to Indian Haj pilgrims commensurate with the charges paid by the Hajis and they conform to the rules and regulations of Saudi Government. It has been the  constant  endeavour  of  the  Government  and  the  Haj  Committee  of  India  to keep making improvements in the arrangements for the Haj pilgrims and provide them with better facilities and services.

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