‘Notification for Haj tour operators keeping nation’s interest in mind’

The Ministry of External Affairs (MHA),in an affidavit submitted to the Bombay High Court on Friday,said its notification that requires Haj tour operators to have an office with a carpet area of at least 250 sq feet was in the interest of the country’s reputation and image.

The affidavit was submitted to the court by Additional Solicitor General D J Khambata and lawyer Advait Sethna. It stated that in 2010,the ministry had received 123 complaints on substandard accommodation and food,lack of proper transportation to Saudi Arabia and misplaced baggage,after which 13 Haj tour operators were blacklisted. The ministry said they thought it was fit to screen the tour operators on the basis of their office space.