Is the government having second thoughts on privatising Air India? Ever since the Union Cabinet cleared the proposal on 28 June 2017, there has been a lot of back and forth, and what was last heard on this big-ticket reform was in December, when aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Rao told Parliament that the government doesn't want anyone who is working for Air India to lose their jobs. Now, a leaked report of a parliamentary panel suggests that the stake sale is unlikely to take off anytime soon.
According to a section of the press, the House panel, headed by Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien, is likely to suggest that the Centre wait for at least five years and make Air India a profitable company, before the airline is finally sold off to private companies.
Privatising Air India was never going to be easy considering the high political patronage the Maharaja enjoys. The main Opposition, the Congress has already come out in the open against the move, while many within the ruling NDA believe the airline should be protected as a 'national asset'.
On ET NOW's India Development Debate, some crucial questions were raised on the privatisation of Air India. Is there any business for the government to be in the airline industry? Why should the taxpayer's money be wasted on keeping the Maharajah afloat? Is it the possible backlash from the strong unions that is forcing a rethink within the government?
09/01/18 Economic Times
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According to a section of the press, the House panel, headed by Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien, is likely to suggest that the Centre wait for at least five years and make Air India a profitable company, before the airline is finally sold off to private companies.
Privatising Air India was never going to be easy considering the high political patronage the Maharaja enjoys. The main Opposition, the Congress has already come out in the open against the move, while many within the ruling NDA believe the airline should be protected as a 'national asset'.
On ET NOW's India Development Debate, some crucial questions were raised on the privatisation of Air India. Is there any business for the government to be in the airline industry? Why should the taxpayer's money be wasted on keeping the Maharajah afloat? Is it the possible backlash from the strong unions that is forcing a rethink within the government?
09/01/18 Economic Times
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