Government's plans in the interest of the country: Minister

Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju Thursday said the government's plan to hand over select airports to private players is in the best interest of the country.

"Those who want to oppose (privatisation) will oppose and those who want to support will support... You do what is in the interest of the country," Raju said on the sidelines of an industry event here.

Raju was replying to questions on whether the government would change its plans for privatisation amidst opposition from the airports employees union.

On allegation levied by the Airports Authority Employees Union (AAEU) that privatisation of select airports would lead to the first scam of the Narendra Modi-lead government.

"If it is a scam, I would like to see the details of the scam. My job is to stamp out scam," Raju said.

On Wednesday, thousands of AAI employees held demonstrations at airports across the country against the move to privatize airports. The unions has also threatened to shut down airports if the government does not stop the process of privatisation.

In January, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) issued Request For Qualification (RFQ) from interested companies which would like to operate and develop Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports.

Sources in the ministry said major Indian conglomerates like GMR, GVK, Tata, Adani and Siemens have shown interest in the proposal.