A comprehensive programme has been chalked to train intending pilgrims for the Hajj-2005. The Saudi Government had acquired the services of a private company to impart training to the master trainers of intending pilgrims, Secretary Ministry of Religious Affairs Usher and Zakat, Vakil Ahmad Khan said in an interview.
The trainers would also impart training like how to embark on a plane, how to use utility services in Haram Sharif etc to the intending pilgrims, he added.
The Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and private tour operators would also be associated with Hajj training exercise, he said.
Responding to a question, he said gradually, the active part of the government in Hajj operation would be reduced and the role of private tour operators would be enhanced.
As many as 150,000 people would be sent for Hajj this year out of which about 97,000 persons would be sent by the government. About 53,000 people would be sent for pilgrimage through the private tour operators, he added.
He said the tour operators were allowed to offer different packages of two or three-week and even ten-days' package had also been made available.
The secretary said that the government was offering package from 39 to 44 days.
The ministry, he said, was monitoring the performance of all tour operators and copies of their packages had been obtained.
Their bank guarantee and performance bond would be released after 15 days of Hajj and when no complaint was received against them, he added.
To another question, he said this year only two categories of buildings had been hired and their allocation would be made through computer balloting.
The complaint of 'hujjaj' regarding congested seats of planes had amicably been resolved, he concluded.