NEW DELHI, March 20: New civil aviation minister Ananth Kumar, who assumed office on Friday, will take a fresh look at the Tata Airlines proposal and other major projects in the civil aviation sector."I will look at all the projects afresh," Kumar said. Commenting on whether the Rs 1,475 crore Tata Airline will see the light of day, Kumar said, "I cannot commit anything on specific projects until I become familiar with the details."
Discussing the civil aviation policy, Kumar said that he favoured "complete transparency" in policy-making and execution. Kumar did not indicate whether a change in the controversial policy of banning equity investment by foreign airlines in domestic aviation is on the cards.
"I am like a batsman on a new pitch. Wait and see how I play the game," the minister quipped. The BJP government has stated in its National Agenda that foreign investment in the infrastructure sector will be given priority. It remains to be seen if the new government will amend the aviation policy tomake it more friendly to foreign investors.
On the functioning of Indian Airlines and Air India, Kumar said, "Punctuality and safety will be given top priority in both the airlines". But Kumar's biggest test after assuming charge of the high-profile ministry is likely to be the Tata Airline proposal and funding of expansion of the Indian Airlines and Air India fleet.
The Tata project has already been cleared by the FIPB. It is awaiting a green signal by the Civil Aviation ministry as well as the Cabinet Committee on Foreign Investment (CCFI). The previous government had sought the opinion of the Law Ministry on the issue of indirect equity holding by foreign airlines, after it was felt that the 40 per cent foreign stake in Tata Airline may be sold to front companies belonging to foreign airlines.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
