(1)The duties of the Committee shall be-(a)to collect and disseminate information useful to pilgrims;(b)to advise and assist pilgrims during their stay in the city and the port of Bombay, while proceeding on orreturning from pilgrimage, in all matters including vaccination, inoculation, medical inspection and issue of passes and passports, and to co- operate with the local authorities concerned in such matters;(c)to give relief to indigent pilgrims;(d)to negotiate and co- operate with railways, shipping companies, airways and travel agencies for the purpose of securing travelling facilities for pilgrims;(e)to find suitable guides for employment by shipping companies on pilgrim ships;(f)to bring the grievances of pilgrims and any irregularities or omissions on the part of a master or owner of a pilgrim ship in carrying out the provisions of the Indian Merchant Shipping Act, 1923 (21 of 1923 ), to the notice of the authorities concerned, and to suggest remedies;(g)to appoint a pilgrim as" Amirul- Haj" on board a pilgrim ship to represent the grievances of the pilgrims to the master or owner of the ship;(h)generally to look after the welfare of the pilgrims; and(i)to discharge such other duties in connection with pilgrim traffic as may be prescribed.(2)The Central Government shall afford all reasonable assistance to the Committee in the discharge of the duties imposed by this section.
