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New Delhi: On August 31, the selection of a familiar service provider for Hajj 2027 drew backlash with concerns surrounding the rising cost of the pilgrimage for Indian Muslims and the stooping quality of services they receive at the hands of these providers in Saudi Arabia.

Questions have risen over the selection of a bidder offering a higher price for the Comprehensive Service Package (CSP), with critics asking why a lower financial bid was overlooked. The Union minority affairs ministry has defended the process, saying that price was not the sole criterion and that factors including quality, capacity and operational preparedness were considered.

This comes against the backdrop of repeated complaints by Indian Haj pilgrims about accommodation and other facilities in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah, even as the cost of undertaking the pilgrimage continues to rise every year. It has also revived questions about the repeated allotment of contracts to a small set of service providers.

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief and former Lok Sabha MP Badruddin Ajmal has publicly questioned the selection of Ithraa Al Khair, alleging that the company was chosen despite another bidder offering services at a lower price. According to figures cited by Ajmal, Ithraa Al Khair quoted SAR 9,777 per pilgrim, while another bidder had quoted SAR 8,717.01. The selection has prompted questions over whether Indian pilgrims could ultimately bear the cost of choosing a more expensive provider.

The minority affairs ministry has rejected suggestions of irregularity, saying the service provider was selected........

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