The Meghalaya government today decided to extend the helicopter services operated by Pawan Hans in the state by another six months.
"The transport department had put up for extending the term for another six months under the same conditions. So the cabinet agreed to the proposal," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who chaired the cabinet meeting, said.
He said the term of Pawan Hans to operate ended in July, 2015 and the cabinet approval was a rectification of the duration.
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On the continuation of flying license, the Chief Minister said they (Pawan Hans) would have to come back before the government to sort out and a call would be taken on whether to proceed with helicopter operations.
Asked about safety concerns, Sangma said the company was complying with safety conditions put forth by the state when they floated the tender a year ago.
"We have asked for a helicopter, which has got better safety avionics and we are happy that Meghalaya is the only state which insisted on the new safety parameters," he said.
He said it was Pawan Hans' compliance by way of supplying the Douphin M3 helicopters to the state that the government resumed the operation license.
"It has got better safety avionics and is far ahead in its capability to deal with situations specific to the North East," the Chief Minister said.
