|
|
Indian Hajis: Harried, Exploited Lot
by Firoz Bakht Ahmed
The exposure by a TV channel of corruption in the Haj pilgrimage
from India has brought to light an issue that was talked about for
long by those in the know of the stink. But nothing happened. Now
that the corrupt have been exposed, the authorities should sack the
staff and file criminal charges against them.
In my opinion, there is a lot of corruption in the management of Haj
pilgrimage. And this extends to various agencies, both in the
government and private sector. This is important not only to
alleviate the sufferings of the Hajis but also to bolster the image
of India abroad.
Poor Indian Hajis, who often come from small towns, have over the
years been hoodwinked and exploited by the Central Haj Committee and
umpteen private tour operators. A complete overhaul of the system is
a necessity.
For Muslims, Haj is a blessed journey to the sacred precincts of
Makkah-e-Muazzamah (Mecca). It is a practical application of all
five pillars of Islam and of its major ethical principles. Above
all, it is a manifestation of the belief in the unity of god.
The plight of Indian Hajis is pathetic right from the start of his
journey to the destination. Around 80,000 Hajis usually go each year
through the Central Haj Committee. Many also go through private tour
operators. A subsidized Haj tour by the Indian Central Haj Committee
costs around
Rs.80,000.
There has been a lot of criticism about the poor arrangements made
by the Central Haj Committee in India and by the Indian consulate at
Jeddah in Saudi Arab. The fate of Hajis who, desiring better
facilities, go to private operators is worse. With no law to
regulate such operators, the pilgrims get cheated.
There is cheating even while booking the accommodation for the Hajis
in and around Mecca. A group called "Building Selection Team"
selects accommodation for pilgrims in different categories.
Usually photographs of a good building with amenities are shown at
the time of booking and the rates settled accordingly. But when the
Hajis reach Mecca, they often find that there is a breach of
agreement. The accommodation turns out to be without
air-conditioners, lifts, water
facility and proper toilets.
Indian Hajis have complained that the units where they are made to
stay are far from Haram Sharif (sanctum sanctorum) of Mecca.
The cost of the accommodation depends on its distance from Haram
Sharif. The close one is to the sanctum sanctorum, the higher the
cost. There are cheaper houses in hilly areas around Mecca's Ring
Road but only the sturdy ones can afford this. Yet aged Hajis are
put up around these hills.
It should be remembered that many of the pilgrims are poor who spend
their lifetime earnings to undertake the Haj. The Haj Act that came
up in 1959 when the number of Hajis was a mere 5,000 or so needs to
be amended to tackle the various problems.
M. Atyab Siddiqui, a lawyer, had filed Public Interest Litigation
against the Central Haj Committee for its alleged mass exploitation
of Hajis. According to him, a Haji pays advance in full money for
his entire journey that includes air-conditioned travel by vehicles
from Jeddah to Mecca, Mecca to Mina, Mina to Muzdalifah, Muzdalifah
back to Mina, Mina to Mecca, Mecca to Madina and Madina to the
Jeddah airport.
What the Hajis often get are old and worn-out buses with no proper
gates and windows, what to talk of air-conditioned buses. These
buses literally burn in the desert heat with mercury rising as high
as 50 degrees.
Air India usually arranges flights for Hajis at the behest of the
civil aviation and external affairs ministries. For the last five
years it has been noted that at the eleventh hour Air India hikes
its airfare. Inefficiency in the Indian Haj Committee usually takes
place because of the political appointments.
There is an immediate need to check the exploitative instincts of
the private tour operators for whom Haj season is a flourishing
business. These people have been charging 2,000 riyals for the
muallim (obligatory Haj guide throughout the pilgrimage). The
necessary services do not come the pilgrims' way.
Medical attention is another area that needs improvement. During the
Mina tragedy some years ago, many Hajis died for want of proper and
timely medical attention. The number of casualties among Indians
could have been more had the Pakistani and Bangladeshi doctors not
provided quick first aid. Arrangements should be made for unani and
ayurveda doctors as well.
The State Haj Committees in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore or Chennai
are unable to provide the Hajis even the basic needs when they reach
bigger cities on their way to Saudi Arabia from their smaller towns.
So the Haji becomes disgruntled even before his pilgrimage begins.
In the same manner, they are often made to stay at Saudi airports
for more than 24 hours. There should be a smooth and prompt
disposal. In a recent case, many Hajis got stranded for about 10
hours at the Delhi Haj Terminal because the flight was delayed. In
the meanwhile they were not given food or even chairs to sit. They
sat on the floor.
From the Saudi angle it becomes obligatory to be aware of the ways
of life of pilgrims from different parts of the world. Large crowds
at places of pilgrimage do present risks. But disasters should not
claim so many lives as has happened in recent times.
December
31, 2006
By Arrangement with IANS
(Firoz Bakht Ahmed is a
commentator on social, educational and religious issues. These are
his views. He can be reached at
firozbakht60@yahoo.co.in)
Top |
News |
|
