Flight postponed

Hastening reforms, it would appear, may require nothing more than an efficient social secretary for the minister. On Tuesday, a meeting of t...

Hastening reforms, it would appear, may require nothing more than an efficient social secretary for the minister. On Tuesday, a meeting of the Group of Ministers to finalise plans to modernise New Delhi and Mumbai airports ended abruptly 8212; and inconclusively 8212; because Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee was running late for another appointment at the naval mess. Whether this be a genuine reason or lame excuse is immaterial. Either way, it calls into question the government8217;s sincerity in addressing key aspects of the country8217;s infrastructure requirements. Long-awaited approvals cannot be postponed 8212; maybe even grounded, the jury is still out on that 8212; on such flimsy grounds. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has identified administrative and procedural reform as a critical input to make government more responsive. He must intervene to rectify this ministerial dithering.

Once again government processes have shown themselves to be glaringly out of step with an India straining to be on the move. Look at the civil aviation sector. Even the slightest bit of deregulation has greatly benefited the economy and the consumer. The expansion of private airlines has enhanced connectivity and rationalised fares. Just this week has come proof of the multiplier effects of deregulation and competition. Indian Airlines, so far stung by the novel discount options of private competitors, has crafted a most innovative way to win consumers and perhaps brand loyalty. These are just some of the fruits of initial reforms. Without modernisation and expansion of ground infrastructure, India8217;s trade and tourism potential will not be optimally realised. Currently, the Mumbai and New Delhi airports 8212; which provide connections on international routes and serve as key domestic hubs 8212; just cannot meet the demand for runway facilities and parking bays. It is estimated that more than 90 per cent of all tourists arrive by air. Air cargo accounts for about a third of India8217;s exports in value terms. In addition, non-aeronautical activity 8212; for instance, shopping and service options 8212; in many airports makes up two-thirds of the total revenue for airport operators. A United Nations study put the corresponding share for India8217;s international airports at just 22 per cent. The case for modernisation cannot be clearer.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel maintains that the Group of Ministers will reconvene in the next couple of days. Can we hope that the country8217;s infrastructural plans will not be stranded once again in the glitches that suddenly surface in their appointment books?