'Speed up re-structuring process of Air India'

A member of the ruling Congress today demanded review of the policy of distributing air traffic rights among various Indian air carriers alleging that private airlines were given more profitable routes.      

"The bilaterals policy (Bilateral air services agreement) should be reviewed," Sanjay Nirupam, Congress member from Mumbai North shared raising the issue during Zero Hour.     

He also demanded speeding up of the re-structuring process of Air India and immediate disbursal of salaries to employees of the national carrier.     

Air India was purchasing new aircraft at the cost of Rs 67,000 crore but handing over lucrative routes to private and foreign airlines, the party member said.     

Norm claimed that the Air India management had issued a "gag order" to its employees threatening action if they went public about the affairs of the airline.     

"The gag order is undemocratic and unethical and must be withdrawn forthwith," he said.     

Ghanshyam Anuragi, SP member from Jalaun, raised the issue of plight of farmers in Bundelkhand and demanded waiver of loans and implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for the entire year instead of 100 days.