The selection of a tour operator for the Christian pilgrimage to Holy Land of Jerusalem, partly funded by the government, has been cancelled. The three-member committee constituted by the government in December last to look into the allegations and objections over the selection of RK Tours and Travels to ferry the pilgrims, recommended cancellation of the tender and calling of fresh tenders. One of the objections was the operator, being a Hindu, lacked the requisite knowledge of a Christian Pilgrimage. This charge was rejected by RK Tours and Travels, citing experience in handling such tour packages.
However, the three-member committee, comprising retired IAS officers B. Danam and K.R.W. Yesudas and former SCR GM Stan-ley Babu, recommended the cancellation to “infuse public confidence in the selection process.” Deccan Chronicle had carried a series of reports on the controversy that had kicked up over selection of a tour operator by AP State Christian Finance Corporation and objections over a Hindu tour operator being awarded the contract.
“Though the committee found the selection process by and large transparent, some lacunae were also found,” said minorities welfare department secretary Mohammed Ali Rafath. The government accepted the recommendations of the committee and fresh tenders would be invited soon, leading to a delay in the pilgrimage.