Minister of State for Minorities Abdus Sattar alleged that despite reminders to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation by his department on the poor treatment of the pilgrims, there has been no concrete action.

Sattar has now urged MP Brinda Karat to take up the matter personally with the ministries concerned.

An observation report prepared by the department claims that the pilgrims are suffering due to negligence of the authorities.

“The Air India authorities are not taking any interest and responsibility in respect of the Haj pilgrims falling ill during transit.”

The report alleges that late departure of flights from Jeddah and their late arrival at Kolkata is leaving Hajis stranded for long without food, drinking water and toilet facilities. The report also talks of poor in-flight services.

“Though charges for refreshment is included in the ticket fare, the quality and quantity of food provided to the pilgrims on board is not up to the mark. Sometimes the Haj pilgrims are not even served lunch and dinner on time,” the report states.

A copy of the observation report has been sent to Karat.