AI privatisation to hit Haj ops: Centre panel

NEW DELHI: A Centre-appointed committee has said that privatisation of Air India will have serious consequences on Haj operations and suggested the minority affairs and civil aviation ministries prepare their response in case the proposed disinvestment goes through.

The committee, tasked with proposing t he ‘ Haj Policy 2018-22’, has also suggested the Centre engage with the Saudi Arabia government and try to get the option of undertaking global tenders for Haj air charter operations.

“The privatisation of Air India, in case it happens, will have serious consequences on Haj air operations. The ministries and Haj Committee of India have to consider and plan how best to overcome the challenge that would arise in case of such an eventuality,” the panel said.

The committee, however, did not specify possible measures should the proposed privatisation go through.

The panel, with former Union secretary Afzal Amanullah as convener, who has served as the Consul-general of India in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has noted that during air charter operations, flights go with pilgrims but return empty.

It would be appropriate for the two ministries to explore the possibility of using empty flights for commercial purposes to bring down the cost, it has said.

The panel has also made suggestions on the food served on the planes.

“Food should be non-spicy, and as far as possible, suitable to the palates of the particular region from where the pilgrims are coming.” The food has to be hygienically prepared and packed. It has also recommended random inspections to check its quality by officials, it said.