Aviation minister downplays issue of privileges to MPs

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju today disapproved of making an issue of privileges to Members of Parliament at various airports, saying serving of free tea, coffee and water to them was just a "courtesy".

Lamenting that "aviation" has become a "soft target" for "bashing", the Minister said it has attracted attention for all the wrong reasons when the focus should be on safety and security aspects.

"If a cup tea or glass of water is offered... Is that a privilege or a courtesy," Raju said to queries on the issue of privileges to MPs on the sidelines of a function.

"Tell me what is that an MP gets which a frequent flier does not get. Let us not make a storm in a tea cup," he said.

Government had recently said that MPs and other VIPs will continue to enjoy facilities like being served tea, coffee and water free of charge at airports besides free access to the terminal building as there was no move to scrap these privileges.

Some of the facilities being provided to the VIPs and Members of Parliament include reserved lounge at domestic and international airports, free access to terminal building and visitors' gallery; airport entry pass to personal staff of MPs, Raju had informed the Lok Sabha.

Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president, had taken a swipe at Raju saying it was "hypocrisy of the highest limits".

Raju today said, "I don't know why aviation has landed up as a soft bashing target not only for the media but also for all the panelists. Aviation has to concentrate on safety and security...Aviation has attracted attention for all the wrong reasons. The right reasons hardly make any news."

The function was jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce to announce the 5th edition of the India Aviation International Conference Exhibition in Hyderabad from March 16 next year.