LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3778
TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.08.2017
TRANSPORTING MORTAL REMAINS
3778. SHRI P. KUMAR:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether Indian nationals face horrific experience in bringing the dead bodies of their relatives back to India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the number of dead bodies to be brought back from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, and the number of bodies that were brought back to India during the last two years and this year, year-wise, country-wise; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) No. Our Missions/Posts abroad extend all possible help in bringing back the dead bodies to the relatives of those who die abroad. (b) Does not arise.(c) Details are atAnnexure.
(d)
As soon as the information about the death of an Indian national comes to the knowledge of the concerned Indian Mission/Post abroad, they take proactive action by seeking a report from the local Foreign Office and other concerned authorities regarding the
cause of the death of the Indian national. Our Missions/Posts abroad also inform the next of kin of the deceased Indian national, and facilitate the transportation to India or local burial of mortal remains in accordance with the wishes of the family of the
deceased. The relevant documents related to the deceased are attested and other assistance is provided on priority basis when required, including after office hours and on holidays.A new Consular Services Monitoring System named MADAD has been set up recently,
which accords maximum priority to the follow up of mortal remains cases. Anyone can directly lodge a grievance to MADAD portal, which flashes it immediately for action to the welfare officer of the concerned Indian Mission/Post. MADAD portal also enables easy
tracking, sharing/receiving information and follow up between a grievant and the concerned Indian Mission/Post.
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