Blaming bureaucratic and political interference as main factors for non-performance by public sector units, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said PSUs needed a free hand.
Ramesh was addressing a gathering during inauguration of the Integrated Terminal Building (ITB) of Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi. It was inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ajit Singh.
“If the PSUs are not interfered with, they can also perform like the private sector. This new terminal is an example,” Ramesh pointed out.
ITB, costing Rs 138 crore, has all state-of-the-art facilities, like flight information system, building management system, security surveillance, intelligent fire alarm system, public address and car hailing system, among others.
Raising the issue of rehabilitation of displaced villagers in construction of the airstrip, Ranchi MP Subodh Kant Sahay said, “As there is provision in the other States of giving homes to those whose land is taken, I demand homes to those who will be affected by the expansion of the air strip.” He also sought resumption of morning flights to Delhi via Kolkata.
Ajit Singh said, “Governor Syed Ahmed has all the authority to take decisions, the chairman of Airports Authority of India will cooperate fully.”
Praising the ITB, Singh said its construction will pave the way for new opportunities. “More and more investment is needed in this sector as well as development of airports to cope with demands of the growing economy. This ITB will be a landmark in the field of technique and quality,” said Singh.
later, the Governor and all dignitaries took a look around the ITB.