Anjuli Bhargava's piece, "Reformer, heal thyself" (December 11), is aptly titled and brings out the underlying issues in the draft aviation policy announced by the government. The policy is clearly a case of rushed decision-making and the lapses are showing now.
First, the case of Air India. While the national carrier has performed well in the last few quarters, a lot remains to be done. Funding the airline using taxpayers' money will cause uproar and highlight the government's inability to let go of this white elephant.
Proposals need to be drawn up on how new airports would be constructed. Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju had expressed his anguish over Indian airports mindlessly copying the design of airports in the West, resulting in energy bills hitting the roof.
How does the government plan to deal with these issues? Tie-ups, foreign partnerships, dealing with ownership stake, turning the sector profitable are some of the key road maps that must be laid out for the policy to be successful.
Gaurav Gupta, Pune
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