With private Hajj and Umrah services experiencing a boom, the Divisional Commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan today asked the private operators to adhere to guidelines, rules and regulations so that maximum benefit is provided to the prospective pilgrims and the general public. The Divisional Commissioner was speaking at an interaction session with members of Jammu and Kashmir Association of Hajj and Umrah companies. DIG Central, Joint Director Information and other officials were also present on the occasion. The Div Com said that the companies are doing a noble job and it puts extra responsibility on them to ensure better services. He called on the association to adopt fair trade practice together with greater transparency and accountability so that any element of fraud is prevented.He said that government will look into the demand for allocating space for Umrah pilgrims at the airport and possibility of starting a weekly international flight from Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport. President of the Association, Feroz Ahmad said that the private Hajj and Umrah services have emerged as a fastest growing sector in the state as during last year alone around 14000-15000 pilgrims went for Umrah. He said that the private operators also sent 2000 pilgrims on Hajj during the same period.
It was informed that at present 80 companies are associated with the trade with 61 being members of the association. He said that the sector has generated huge employment opportunities for the people. DIG Central Ghulam Hassan Bhat said that police will help address all the genuine grievances of the private companies. He cautioned against misleading people with regard to lack of services.