The Chairman, Haj Committee has thankfully acknowledged the cooperation of the External Affairs and the C.G.I. during Haj, 1998. But he has floated an idea of freezing the Haj quota at 66,000.

In my view, there is no justification for a freeze. Indeed, the Government, as I have suggested in the past, simultaneously abolish the Haj Quota (which has no meaning now) and the Haj charter subsidy.

I would also suggest that through better liaison with the Saudi Arabian Consul authorities, the particulars of pilgrims travelling on regular passports on their own or through Haj tour operators should be obtained, so that the Government/Haj Committee have a complete record of Haj pilgrims for the year. The information can be computerised so that no Haji should normally be permitted a second Haj within 5 years.

Later, the pilgrims passes may be abolished and replaced by short-term (1 year) regular passports.

Once the Haj charter fare subsidy is abolished, the Haj Committee - and not the Air India - should be responsible for charter fare negotiation with the bidders in an international tender with technical advice from DGCA and Air India.