Prithviraj Chavan, a former Union minister and Congress leader, has called for the resignation of Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu. This demand follows the ongoing crisis at IndiGo, marked by significant flight disruptions over the past week. Chavan criticised the situation as both unfortunate and shocking, attributing it to regulatory failures and alleged collusion between the government and private airlines.
Chavan emphasised the dangers of allowing a monopoly in the aviation sector. He argued that the government should not permit private entities to dominate this vital industry. Instead, he advocated for the establishment of a national airline to ensure balanced control and oversight.
Regulatory Oversight and Accountability
The Congress leader also urged for the implementation of the Civil Aviation Authority, a proposal from the previous Congress-led UPA government (2004-14), in which he served as a minister. This authority aims to enhance oversight and accountability within the aviation sector, addressing current regulatory shortcomings.
Chavan further demanded the suspension of IndiGo’s CEO and the dismissal of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials responsible for these lapses. He believes these steps are necessary to restore confidence in the sector’s regulatory framework.
Compensation for Affected Passengers
To support passengers affected by overpriced tickets and widespread disruptions at IndiGo, Chavan proposed creating a special compensation fund. He suggested allocating Rs 1,000 crore to financially assist those who have suffered losses due to these issues.
Chavan’s remarks highlight concerns about private sector dominance in aviation and stress the need for government intervention. His call for action reflects a broader demand for improved regulation and accountability in India’s aviation industry.
With inputs from PTI
