New Delhi, August 28: The expose on blatant irregularities in the allocation of Haj quotas by a Channel has pressed the Government into action. Attorney General Ghulam Vahanvati was called in by External Affairs Minister SM Krishna to discuss ways of fixing the loopholes in the Haj quota system.
SM Krishna said, “I have asked the secretary concerned to consult a former judge of the Supreme Court so that we can get his advise as to how we can come out with a system where there would be transparency.”
The investigation by a Channel, aired on Wednesday, had highlighted allegations of favouritism by the then minister of state external affairs, E Ahamed – incharge of Haj arrangements and who is now Junior Railway Minister.
MEA documents – which were presented to Parliament on March 20, 2008 – clearly show that the MEA Haj section had issued approximately one-fourth of all the quotas to tour operators in Kerala, and in particular one tour operator, Alhind Tours and Travels. Alhind had been given the lion’s share of the quotas.
Reacting to the investigation, the CPM demanded that E Ahamed resign.CPM leader Brinda Karat said, “It is very clear there are irregularities. E Ahamed should step down immediately.”Even the Congress, which is in coalition with Ahamed’s IUML, welcomed an enquiry.
Congress leader, Ramesh Chennitala says, “An enquiry is good. It will clear the doubts or misgivings, if any, in the minds of those who undertake the pilgrimage.”
The expose by the Channel has spurred the Government into cleaning up the corruption in the Haj quota system, which has spread its taint over the holiest of pilgrimages for thousands of faithful Muslims.
–Agencies