New Delhi, 8 December (Daily Kiran) – The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated debate on Monday over the ongoing Indigo crisis. During the question hour, several members raised concerns about the issues faced by the airline, prompting a detailed response from Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
The minister explained that the Indigo crisis arose due to flaws in shift schedules and internal planning of the airline’s workforce, which caused significant inconvenience to passengers. He assured that the matter is being taken seriously and the government is committed to taking strict action that will set an example.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s reply, leading to a strong reaction from the opposition. Around 20 minutes before the end of the question hour, the entire opposition staged a walkout, halting the house proceedings.
Following this, the Chair asked the minister to present a full statement. In response to questions and supplementary queries, the minister stated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to Indigo’s CEO and responsible managers, requiring a reply within 24 hours. The company was later given 15 days to respond to the notice issued three days ago. Indigo has processed refunds worth Rs 827 crore during the recent flight disruptions and returned baggage to 4,500 passengers.
The minister emphasized that the government will not compromise on the safety of passengers, pilots, and cabin crew. All airlines have been instructed accordingly. He advised Indigo to manage its crew duties in a well-organized manner.
He reiterated that the government is treating passenger grievances with utmost seriousness and warned that any negligence by airlines will not be tolerated.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated that strict regulations are in place for passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations, and compliance is mandatory. He added that an investigation into issues related to aviation management system software has already begun. Efforts to improve technology in the aviation sector are ongoing.
The minister highlighted the government’s goal to achieve world-class standards in the aviation industry. He noted the entry of new airlines like Fly-91 and Star Air, expressing optimism about the sector’s growth and describing this as a golden period for the aviation industry in India.
Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ramjilal Suman raised concerns about recent difficulties faced by passengers at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. He criticized the government for not acting on warnings issued by the Air Traffic Control Guild of India in July regarding the need for modernizing air travel and reviewing the automatic messaging switching system. He suggested that timely attention to these warnings could have prevented the passenger hardships experienced since November.
—————
(Daily Kiran) / Vijayalakshmi
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
