On Friday the government ruled out any move to privatise Air India, and promised support to the national carrier, even as angry opposition members alleged a conspiracy on the part of the government to bankrupt it. During a calling attention motion in the Lok Sabha, the matter was discussed with minister for state for Parliamentary affairs V. Narayanswamy answering in place of civil aviation minister Valayar Ravi who was out of commission due to a throat infection. Any move to privatise Air India was ruled out by Narayanaswamy and stated that the government would provide all possible support to strengthen the carrier.
He said that there would be a complete rationalization of manpower, listing various steps being contemplated to turn around the airline. Responding to the opposition's allegations against the managing director of Air India and the role of the Prime Minister's office in his appointment, Narayanaswamy said, If government found any officer responsible for the losses, it will take action.
The opposition said that it was dissatisfied with the reply and staged a walkout. Earlier CPI and BJP members slammed the government saying it was doing nothing to help the bleeding national carrier, saying that it was now on its death bed.
The CPI members Gurudas Dasgupta had led the opposition charge on the issue. Outside the Parliament Valayar Ravi said that Air India M.D. Arvind Jadhav would be soon removed from his post. On Thursday the sources had confirmed that his successor would be Rohit Nandan.
News report By, SM
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