Maharaja Mascot of Indian Aviation to be Replaced by Aam Aadmi: PM Modi

BANGALORE: In one of the meetings held in the national capital, Aviation secretary Ashok Lavasa gave a presentation to the Prime Minister stating the recommendations and policies, to revive the loss-making carrier as it is facing crisis due to accumulated loans of 49000 Crore reports TNN.

The discussions also focused on ways to bring the carrier out of mess, by cutting the operational costs, making flying affordable, opening operations on new sectors, building low cost airports. The main fact that Modi stressed on was that flying should not be privileged only for the rich but it should be designed for the common man too and hence the mascot should also be of a common man. He also suggested that CCTVs at the airports must be installed in order to ensure cleanliness of the airport and to monitor the activities of customs and immigration apart from providing security.

"Modi stressed on connectivity of airports with highways, ports and city side development of airports for commercial purposes. He emphasized that CCTVs should not only be used for security but also to ensure cleanliness at airports as well as keeping a vigil on other service providers like customs and immigrations," said a senior official.

Prime Minister Modi also urged the promotion of use of solar power at airports. The PM also asked the aviation authorities to take steps to reverse the downgrade of Indian aviation safety ranking by the U.S. federal aviation administration which happened solely due to UPA's neglect of DGCA. On their part, the aviation team tried to impress upon the PM that the sector should not be perceived as 'elitist' but one that will benefit the common man, given the huge dimensions of India where fast, safe and affordable connectivity is vital to link the country.

"It (the sector) has the potential to be 'driver' of growth than a mere responder to demand. Unlike several infrastructure sectors, it requires very little government investment," the aviation team told the PM while seeking creation of an atmosphere that is conducive to attracting investment and asking for tax rationalization, especially on jet fuel.