No plans to privatise Air India, says Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju

NEW DELHI: Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati has said the public sector does have a place in the overall growth of airlines industry, suggesting that he is against the government exiting the running of national carrier Air India despite its huge losses and debt.

"Just because a company belongs to the public sector, one should not be against it. But it has to perform," said Raju, who met senior officials of the aviation sector to begin with on his first day in office on Thursday.

Raju promised transparency in all policy decisions by his ministry and said he would protect the interests of passengers. "We will do our best to ensure that passenger rights are not violated," he said.

Committing himself to increasing air connectivity, the minister mentioned the poor air network in the country as a key concern. An immediate analysis of the crisis in the aviation sector is required, he said, promising to take steps to create a level playing field for all airlines. On allowing more foreign players in the aviation sector, he said, "We have to be of use to them without being detrimental to us." Raju also promised a "viable and workable" aviation policy.

He said the issues raised in the media and Parliament from time to time would be addressed in right earnest. "I will not sweep issues under the carpet but at the same time will not stir a hornet’s nest," he said.