Privatisation of airports flayed

Tribune News service

Amritsar, December 10

Employees of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Monday observed a relay hunger strike against the privatisation of airports.

A statement released by Balraj Singh Ahlawat, general secretary, Airports Authority Employees’ Union, SGRDI Airport, Amritsar, stated that the union members had been compelled to observe a hunger strike and go on mass casual leave under the banner of the Joint Forum of Union and Associations of AAI throughout all airports, including at the AAI headquarters, against the government’s move to propose Public Private Partnership (PPP).

The press note stated that the AAI had been elevated to the Mini Ratna status by the government, whose thrust of responsibility was to maintain efficient air space management, communication, safety service and passenger facilitation as per international standards.

“As per the laid down parameters of a MoU between Government of India and AAI, the Public Sector Unit has been discharging its functional responsibilities as per the Legislative Act and project performance is monitored periodically by the government. No adverse report has been reported against the AAI by any agency or Parliament committee or any other agency with regard to airport performance. Moreover, the move for privatisation will result in the denial of job opportunities to those belonging to the SC, ST and OBC as reservation policies restricted only to the government sector,” the press note stated.