Aviation minister to focus on people's interests

Ashok Gajapathi Raju has taken reins at a time when the sector is grappling with mounting losses

Telugu Desam Party leader Ashok Gajapathi Raju, now in charge of the ministry of civil aviation, on Tuesday said people’s interests would be a guiding factor while taking decisions.

On the challenges facing the civil aviation sector, Raju, known for his no-nonsense approach and clean image, said challenges created opportunities which have to be used well keeping in mind the interests of the people.

Raju had not assumed office on Tuesday.

The sector has been grappling with mounting losses amid a high-cost operating environment. According to estimates with aviation consultancy Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), Indian airlines registered a combined loss of $1.2 billion in the previous financial year. Combined debt for the seven years ended March 2013 stood at $12.6 billion, and cumulative loss at $8.6 billion. A first-time Member of Parliament from Vizianagaram, Raju hails from the royal family of the erstwhile Gajapathi kingdom.

He is a seven-time member of the legislative assembly.

In a political career spanning more than 35 years, he has served as finance and revenue minister, in the Cabinets of N T Rama Rao and Chandrababu Naidu.

He has travelled widely and is considered to be a well-read person.

The 63-year-old is known for his austerity. As finance minister in Naidu’s cabinet, Raju gave up his official car and facilities when the state was going through a financial crisis.