Lucknow: The Alkhilesh government on Monday decided to cancel the MoU it had signed with then civil aviation minister Ajit Singh during the UPA government two years ago for the development of three airstrips in the state into domestic airports. The step is reportedly being taken as the current Modi government has shown no interest in the projects. The state government would now send a notice to the Airport Authority of India (AAI), cancelling all their previous agreements, said sources.
At a cabinet meeting held on Monday, it was also decided that Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav would be authorised to take decisions in this regard once the AAI sends its reply to the state government. The three airstrips in question include Meerut — home district of Ajit Singh — Moradabad and Faizabad. The MoU was signed between the UP government and AAI in Delhi in the presence of then civil aviation minister Ajit Singh on February 24, 2014. The agreement was reportedly signed after then minister Ajit Singh had written several letters to the UP government, citing the need to expand air-connectivity. According to the MoU, the state government was supposed to provide land free of cost to the AAI. The state government has claimed it had started the process of identification and purchase of land for the expansion. Even funds for purchase of the land was also released. But sources said that following reluctance from AAI, the purchase was stopped mid-way a few months ago.
15/03/16 Maulshree Seth/Indian Express
To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline
At a cabinet meeting held on Monday, it was also decided that Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav would be authorised to take decisions in this regard once the AAI sends its reply to the state government. The three airstrips in question include Meerut — home district of Ajit Singh — Moradabad and Faizabad. The MoU was signed between the UP government and AAI in Delhi in the presence of then civil aviation minister Ajit Singh on February 24, 2014. The agreement was reportedly signed after then minister Ajit Singh had written several letters to the UP government, citing the need to expand air-connectivity. According to the MoU, the state government was supposed to provide land free of cost to the AAI. The state government has claimed it had started the process of identification and purchase of land for the expansion. Even funds for purchase of the land was also released. But sources said that following reluctance from AAI, the purchase was stopped mid-way a few months ago.
15/03/16 Maulshree Seth/Indian Express
