Hyderabad parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday raised serious allegations of widespread corruption within the Haj Committee of India (HCI), an agency under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and urged for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Owaisi highlighted the absence of a permanent Chief Executive Officer at the HCI, a situation he claims has led to numerous instances of corruption and significant hardships for Indian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage.
Owaisi accused HCI officials of selecting sub-standard accommodations in Saudi Arabia for Indian pilgrims, resulting in considerable inconvenience. He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency within the committee to ensure better facilities for pilgrims in the future.
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The parliamentarian also shed light on the issue of private tour operators (PTOs), alleging that government officials demand bribes of up to a lakh per pilgrim to renew these operators’ licenses. Such practices, he asserted, add unnecessary financial burdens on pilgrims and create an environment of corruption.
Furthermore, Owaisi pointed out that certain officials have been working in the HCI for over eight years, in violation of established rules. He called for immediate action to address these issues and ensure that the operations of the HCI are conducted fairly and efficiently.
The call for a CBI probe by Owaisi underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny and reform within the HCI to restore the faith of Indian pilgrims in the organization and to provide them with the dignified and comfortable pilgrimage experience they deserve.
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