Centre’s nod to Mandi airport

Tribune News service

Shimla, November 20

The Centre has given the green signal for the construction of an airport in Mandi district, said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur after meeting Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi today.

The Chief Minister said the upcoming airport would be constructed as a joint venture by the state government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for which the authority would prepare a detailed project report within a week while the government would speed up the land acquisition process.

He also discussed the expansion of other airports and requested the minister to explore the possibilities of landing of A320 aircraft at Gaggal and ATR74 aircraft in Shimla and Bhuntar airports. He also requested him for the expansion of runways of the existing airports. This would not only provide connectivity but also boost tourism.

Thakur said air ambulance services needed to be strengthened in the state which was facing problems due to the existing terms and conditions.

The Union minister assured the Chief Minister of all possible assistance and agreed with his views about the long-term planning.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister met Union Minister for Textiles, Women and Child Development Smriti Irani and requested for increasing the limit in the district foster care and sponsorship fund from the existing Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

He also urged for appointing four security personnel for every child care organisation under the Bal Sanrakshan Sewayen Yojna keeping in view the provisions under the Juvenile Justice (care and protect of children) Act 2015. He also requested for providing budget for the salary of such appointees.

He apprised the Union Minister that salaries and allowances to 428 posts under the Integrated Child Development Services may be exempted under new guidelines and may be allowed under the 90:10 sharing pattern by the Centre and state.

Smriti Irani also reviewed the status of schemes of the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the state and lauded the progress. Status of Poshan Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna, Anganwadi services, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the scheme for adolescent girls and child protection services were reviewed.

Landing of bigger aircraft also discussed

• Jai Ram Thakur discussed with Union minister Hardeep Puri about the expansion of airports
• He requested him for exploring the possibilities of landing of A320 aircraft at Gaggal and ATR74 aircraft in Shimla and Bhuntar airports
• He also requested the minister for the expansion of runways
• This will not only provide connectivity but also boost tourism