Trouble mounts for Indian private Haj tour operators amid central government's delay
New Delhi: The delayed response from the Minority Affairs Department of the Central Government has posed a challenge for private tour operators tasked with facilitating VIP accommodations for pilgrims embarking on the Holy Haj pilgrimage from various states, including Karnataka.
In a customary arrangement during the Hajj pilgrimage the government of Saudi Arabia used to to establish tents near Meena in the city of Makkah,. Typically, tour operators would transfer funds to an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) to cover expenses such as tents and transportation. However, a new regulation implemented by the Saudi Arabian government requires tour operators worldwide to deposit funds into the accounts of their respective country's Hajj-related government missions in Makkah.
Consequently, Indian private tour operators have been instructed to deposit funds into the account of the Indian Hajj Mission, which will manage the finances and provide operators with the necessary account details for conducting transactions. While Hajj ministries in South Asian countries like the UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have already facilitated similar arrangements for their operators, the Indian Ministry of Minority Affairs has yet to authorize such transactions.
This delay has left many private tour operators in a precarious position, as some operators mistakenly transferred funds to the old IBAN account, resulting in financial setbacks. Failure to provide promised VIP accommodations in Meena could lead to significant challenges and potential embarrassment for reputable tour operators, especially if pilgrims are left dissatisfied.
Shaukat Ali Sultan, President of the Karnataka Haj Organizers Association, expressed concerns over the situation, highlighting the urgency for government intervention. He emphasized the need for Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani to engage in negotiations with the Saudi Arabian government to address the issue and ensure smoother operations for future Hajj seasons. Failure to resolve the matter could result in logistical challenges and inconvenience for both tour operators and pilgrims.
"Private tour operators all over the country are facing problems due to this new rule. The Indian Hajj Mission will not do any work without the direction from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. Several tour operators have already brought their problems to the attention of the Central Government through email. However, no response has been received from the Central Government." He said.
"All the government offices are closed in Saudi Arabia due to the Ramadan festival. The offices will probably start from Monday. If the Ministry of Minority Affairs does not come to our aid in this matter, the situation may worsen. We were happy because we got the certificates quickly this time. But, now we are stuck in the matter of payment.
"Normally, the process of issuing Hajj visa was started from the 20th of Shawwal. However, this time they started from the 10th of Ramadan. However, we are facing a big problem as our money is not credited to the Indian Hajj Mission account." He added.
"This time we will deposit the money from the IBAN account. We request the Union Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani to negotiate with the Saudi Arabian government to adopt the new system from next year. Otherwise, we will get tents in a very remote area in Meena. This will cause a lot of trouble to us and the pilgrims." He further added.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
