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| Discrepancies in Hajj policy causing unwarranted delays | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
SRINAGAR, Nov 18: Major discrepancies have been observed in Hajj policy, putting question marks on government's claim of providing necessary facilities to the pilgrims.
Unwarranted delay in issue of necessary traveling documents coupled with the bureaucratic hurdles compound miseries for the pilgrims.Moreso, major problems are faced by pilgrims who travel abroad for the first time. The Hajj policy of central government being vague and ill defined can be gauged from the fact that at the eleventh hour of departure CID and police personnel verify the credentials of pilgrims.
"It is quite disappointing that even after completing all necessary formalities my traveling document was not issued in time,'' alleged Abdul Rahim Bhat from Pulwama.
"In some cases prospective pilgrims have to wait for hours at the office of deputy commissioner to get clearance,' he added
A noted advocate and social activist reiterates, "Last year Central Hajj committee informed the pilgrims just few days before the departure that the tax payers and second time performing Hajj pilgrims have to pay Rs 54,000 as air ticket expenses because central government has stopped the subsidy for them''.
"It is a matter of serious irony that government does not disseminate proper information in time thereby causing severe inconvenience to the public," he adds.
Hanjura emphasized that Central government viz-a-viz central Hajj committee must frame clear hajj policy which is meant for the welfare of pilgrims.
'All the decisions and proceedings are entirely taken by government without participation of non government members. State legislature must adopt legislation to this extent keeping in view the special status of J&K,” he further maintained
The experts are of the view that the government should authenticate and facilitate hajj committee by devolution of power and authority. Moreover, prior to hajj departure at least two days workshop must be organized wherein all information regarding the methods of performing Hajj is given to prospective pilgrims.
At the policy level, schemes and provisions exist for them. But at the ground level, the pilgrims continue to be neglected with the onus of care on family than on government. Many pilgrims' complaint that adequate medical facilities are not provided to them during the period of pilgrimage.
"The doctor's, paramedical staffs deputed by external affairs ministry for hajj duty do not provide all necessary facilities to the pilgrims. Owing to old age and ignorance pilgrims are unable to approach hospitals for medical treatments,'' laments Haji Ghulam Rasool, of Bagimehtab. |
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