No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause hardship to passengers: Naidu
New Delhi (PTI): No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause hardship to passengers through planning failures and non-compliance with regulations, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Tuesday asserting that IndiGo was being accountable for the mass disruptions in its flight schedules.
Making a statement in Lok Sabha, he said "strict and appropriate action will be taken" against IndiGo for the flight disruptions that have affected passengers across the country.
The minister said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already issued notices to IndiGo and that the airline is being held fully accountable for the chaos caused by its internal crew-rostering failures.
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"Safety in civil aviation is completely non-negotiable," he said, adding that IndiGo had assured to comply with the Revised Flight Duty Time Limitations directed by the DGCA.
Naidu said despite these assurances, prima-facie it was observed that internal rostering disruptions led to large-scale cancellations, causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
"The government is determined to build a more robust and competitive aviation ecosystem. Through our policies, we are encouraging more new airlines to start and operate in India, ensuring fair access to airport capacity and eliminating any possibility of a duopoly controlling connectivity and pricing in our skies," he said.
"More airlines mean more choice, more affordability and more resilience for passengers," the minister said.
He said the government will remain vigilant until full normalcy is achieved and will continue to ensure that every passenger in India travels safely, comfortably and with the respect they deserve.
IndiGo's daily flights had fallen drastically to 706 on December 5, recovered to over 1,800 flights on Monday and were expected to rise further on Tuesday, the minister said.
He said IndiGo flight schedules are stabilising and all other airlines continue to operate smoothly across the country.
"IndiGo was ordered to issue refunds promptly and more than Rs 750 crore has already reached passengers," the minister said.
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He said airports across the country are reporting normal conditions, with no crowding or distress.
"Refunds, baggage tracing and passenger support measures remain under the supervision of the ministry. Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued show-cause notices to IndiGo's senior leadership and commenced a detailed enforcement investigation," Naidu said.
He said depending on the outcome, strict and appropriate action empowered under the Aircraft Act and Rules - will be taken.
"No airline, however large, will be permitted to cause such hardship to passengers through planning failures, non-compliance or non-adherence to statutory provisions," Naidu said.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the minister's statement, opposition parties staged a walkout in Lok Sabha.
Naidu said the ministry has advised the regulator DGCA to act immediately and inquiry orders and show-cause notice to CEO and COO of Indigo were issued.
"Also, IndiGo has been directed to restructure its operations, add reserve crew capacity, improve passenger handling and restore normal schedules without delay. Enhanced oversight on the ground continues," he said.
Naidu said passengers' interests have been at the centre of every decision taken by the Government, which intervened to cap fares after sudden demand spikes and opportunistic pricing.
He said refunds have been issued to passengers seeking the same and rebooking of tickets was done without any additional charges.
"We are monitoring each and every case of baggage handing over and ensuring that communication with passengers is timely and dignified. As informed by IndiGo, the process of refunds, baggage handover are at its final stages. Our 24×7 Control Room continues to assist passengers directly whenever needed," Naidu said.
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Siddaramaiah unveils world's second largest khadi national flag at Belagavi
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday unveiled the world's second-largest khadi national flag at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here, stating that the Indian tricolour is not merely a khadi cloth but a symbol of the nation's pride and self-respect.
The state government said this was the "second largest" khadi national flag. The largest such tricolour was reportedly displayed in Leh in 2021.
Addressing the gathering after unveiling the flag here, Siddaramaiah recalled that the tricolour was adopted during the freedom movement.
"It is not just khadi fabric, but a symbol of India's pride and dignity. The flag contains three colours and the Ashoka Chakra. The saffron, white and green colours convey messages of national pride, economy, sacrifice and peace, while inspiring patriotism among Indians," Siddaramaiah said.
He added that white represents peace and truth, green symbolises prosperity, and the Ashoka Chakra signifies the country's continuous economic progress and equal opportunities for all.
"We must respect the national flag and view it with pride. Everyone should nurture patriotism," he said.
He congratulated Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader and the family members of Vinod Kumar Revappa Bammanna of Kamalapur in Kalaburagi district, who donated the flag.
On this occasion, the chief minister said it was important to remember those who fought and sacrificed for the nation.
"Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the freedom struggle was waged. Gandhi had presided over the Congress session in Belagavi. As it completes 100 years, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed next to the Suvarna Soudha," he noted.
He said humans must love one another and not hate, adding that only then can an equitable society be built; otherwise, building a secular nation becomes difficult.
"We must all be patriots. India is home to many castes and religions, and it is essential that we all uphold secularism," he said.
Noting that it has been over 75 years since Independence, the chief minister stressed the need to introspect on how far the country has achieved fraternity, patriotism and a humane society.
"Without these values, it is impossible to live as human beings. This mindset must grow among students and youth," he said, adding that his government is ensuring that the Preamble of the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar is read in schools and colleges.
