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Wednesday, Dec 06, 2006
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No compromise with airlines security: Praful Patel

Special Correspondent

Sitaram Yechury expresses security concern

Photo: R. V. Moorthy

ALLAYING FEARS: Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel addressing the media in Parliament House on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: The Government said in Parliament on Tuesday that there would be no compromise with the safety and security of airline operations in the country.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel gave the assurance after members, including Sitaram Yechury (CPI- M) and Mabel Rebello (Congress), highlighted the "security concerns" arising out of entrusting a foreigner with the security of a section of the Delhi airport.

Mr. Yechury expressed concern over assigning to a Greek the task of security (given to a private company modernising the airport). Mr. Patel said there were foreign pilots working for domestic carriers.

"Does that mean these pilots are security threats? I would like to assure that no person is allowed to work [in the aviation sector] till he is cleared by the Ministry of Home Affairs."

When Mr. Yechury said flying planes and handing over security to a foreigner were different issues, Mr. Patel assured that security remained a sovereign function of the Government of India.

"The Central Industrial Security Force is responsible for the security of all airports on the ground and the Air Traffic Control is also a sovereign authority responsible for security in the air. We have not entrusted the security in air or ground to any foreigner."

To Ms. Rebello's said there were frequent technical defects, Mr. Patel said every aircraft was subject to strict safety tests. At the same time, the concerns were understandable, as the sector was on a high growth path.

Indian had an ageing fleet and its aircraft would be subject to more technical issues. However, all aircraft, as long as they were airworthy, were technically safe.

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