As Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reviewed the affairs of the aviation and power sectors, a decision was taken that the Indian air space should be effectively used in a manner that flying time for travellers is reduced and airlines also save costs.
And this will be done in close cooperation with the Department of Military Affairs, an official statement said after Modi held the comprehensive meeting to review the strategies that could help in making India's civil aviation sector more efficient.
"For generation of more revenue as well as to bring in more efficiency at the airports, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been asked to expedite the process of handing over of six more airports on PPP basis by commencing the tender process within three months," it said.
Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri among others attended the meeting, which also reviewed the e-DGCA project, aimed at bringing in more transparency in the DGCA's office and helping all stakeholders by reducing the processing time for various licences and permissions.
"It was also decided that all reform initiatives taken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the organizations under it should proceed in a time bound manner," the statement added
The civil aviation sector has been severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, which forced governments around the world to impose restrictions on the movement of people and virtually shut flights.
As for the power sector, the Prime Minister discussed various long-term reforms for enhancing sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of the key sector.
“The discussions included measures regarding ease of doing business; propagation of renewables; flexibility in supply of coal; role of public-private partnerships; and boosting investment in the power sector. The need for effective enforcement of contracts for attracting private investments was discussed,” the official statement said.
He emphasised the importance of ‘consumer-centricity’ and directed to work towards the goal of supplying 24x7 quality and reliable power to all consumers.
“Measures for improving viability of distribution companies, including tariff rationalisation and timely release of subsidies along with improved governance were also discussed,” the statement said.