177 Haj Pilgrims Get Compensation for Delayed Luggage
The minister said the pilgrims had departed from Gannavaram Airport on April 18 and 19 for the annual Haj pilgrimage.
Vijayawada: Compensation has been released to 177 Haj pilgrims from the Vijayawada embarkation point after their luggage failed to reach Madina on time, causing inconvenience during the pilgrimage.
Minority welfare and law minister N. MD Farooq said each affected pilgrim has received ₹13,800, equivalent to 150 US dollars, which has been credited to their bank accounts through the Central Haj Committee after intervention by the state and Central governments.
The minister said the pilgrims had departed from Gannavaram Airport on April 18 and 19 for the annual Haj pilgrimage. However, the luggage of 177 pilgrims who travelled to Madina on April 19 did not arrive as scheduled, resulting in hardship for the passengers.
Farooq said he immediately brought the matter to the notice of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Central Haj Committee, while also seeking action against the airline concerned.
Following the intervention, the airline agreed to compensate the affected pilgrims for the inconvenience caused.
The minister said the state government had extended all necessary facilities and support measures to ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims travelling from the Vijayawada embarkation centre. He added that the coalition government led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu remains committed to the welfare of minorities.
Farooq also noted that the state government is providing financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to every Haj pilgrim travelling from the Vijayawada embarkation centre.
He urged pilgrims to complete the sacred Haj pilgrimage with devotion and pray for the welfare and overall development of Andhra Pradesh and its people while in Makkah.
Farooq expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Union ministers Ram Mohan Naidu and Kiren Rijiju, Central Haj Committee CEO Shahnawaz, and state officials for their prompt intervention in resolving the issue.
