CPM warns Gujral against redrafting aviation policy

The Politbureau’s hard hitting statement is the first public outburst of the Left against the Gujral government. The CPM went to the extent of saying that these “shortsighted and motivated” proposals would be strongly opposed by the people.

The aviation policy became controversial after Prime Minister I.K. Gujral criticised it during his Nepal visit and asked the Civil Aviation secretary to redraft it. Although he did not mention the failed tie-up TATA-Singapore airlines, the proposed changes are set to re-open the project.

The CPM said,“ the draft policy, if adopted, would mean a total sell-out to the big business lobby. It is imperative that the Gujral government not proceed with such a harmful policy and allow a full debate in parliament and all other relevant forums before coming to a final decision.”

The CPM was particularly opposed to allowing the foreign airlines to hold 40 per cent equity in domestic airlines reversing the decision taken during the Deve Gowda government.

Meanwhile, the civil aviation ministry categorically said there was no move to change the existing policy of keeping out foreign airlines from operating domestic air transport services.

“There is no re-thinking in the government on the recent cabinet decision barring investment by foreign airlines in domestic Air services,”according to a spokesperson of the ministry here.

The civil aviation ministry’s clarification on the government’s position on the question of allowing investments by foreign airlines came when it denied press reports that a draft paper on a new civil aviation policy allowing foreign air carriers 40 per cent equity stake had been circulated.