Crisis in Indian Skies: Privatisation's Toll

CPI-M leader A A Rahim criticized the Indian government for the IndiGo crisis, attributing it to unchecked privatisation and deregulation in the aviation sector. He warned against diluting Flight Duty Time Limitations and called for strong regulatory measures to control airfares and ensure passenger safety.

On Wednesday, CPI-M leader A A Rahim placed the blame on the Indian government's shoulders for the current crisis engulfing IndiGo, attributing the turmoil to unchecked privatisation and regulation lapses, leading to a near-duopoly in the aviation market.

Rahim raised this issue in the Rajya Sabha during Zero Hour, highlighting the dominance of IndiGo and Air India, which together control over 90% of the market. He criticized the government's neo-liberal policies and called into question its promises about Air India's privatisation benefits.

Rahim further condemned Air India for exploiting the situation and cited inflated airfares despite governmental price caps, underscoring a need for strong regulatory control over airfares and passenger safety in this concentrated market scenario.

(With inputs from agencies.)