Cabinet likely to take on board ‘FDI in aviation’ proposal on July 27

26 Jul 2012 Evaluate

Expediting the pace of policy reform after the completion of presidential polls, Cabinet is likely to take up the foreign direct investment (FDI) in aviation proposal on July 27, a development which Aviation minister, Ajit Singh, is keen on. The Ministry on Civil Aviation has put forward its views on allowing 49 per cent FDI in aviation to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). In its recommendations, the ministry has urged for management control to remain in hands of Indians, who will also constitute two third of the strength of board members.

This development is expected to emerge as lifeline to cash-starved and debt-laden carriers such as Kingfisher Airlines, which has debt to the tune of Rs 7,000 crore and has scaled down operations to prune costs. However, International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s recent report sounds alarm bells for Indian aviation sector, which has stated beleaguered Aviation sector being in multi-faceted crisis, crippled by high costs, exorbitant taxes and insufficient infrastructure. IATA director general Tony Tyler warned that in light of critical domestic problems not being addressed, foreign investors might not line up to put their cash in Indian airlines, even if the country allows 49% FDI in Aviation sector.

However, Aviation minister is keen to extend Aviation sector's mass reach, which for a long term was perceived as rich man travel. Working towards slew of initiative for reviving the beleaguered Aviation industry, the ministry is now mulling to replace Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) with a Civil Aviation Authority by bringing in a new bill in the winter session of Parliament. The ministry, further plans to restructure the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and to constitute a dedicated security force for the industry.

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