Question : HUNGER STRIKE BY AAI STAFF

(a) whether the Government is aware that the officials and employees of Airport Authority of India have formed a Joint Forum and have launched a countrywide relay hunger strike at all Airports;

(b) if so, the details of their demands and steps taken to meet the demands alongwith the time required for the purpose;

(c) whether AAI is fully capable of modernising the buildings and passenger facilities;

(d) if so, the reasons for giving the modernising assingments to private sectors;

(e) whether any loss has been incurred by the Authority due to hunger strike; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )

(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. The Joint Forum protested against the proposed restructuring and modernisation process of Mumbai and Delhi airports. They also demanded for considering the alternative plan submitted by the Joint Forum for upgradation and modernisation of these airports.

(c)&(d): Cash reserves available with AAI are around Rs.1200 crores which are required to be committed for various projects proposed to be implemented during the 10th Plan. However, the entire resources of Airports Authority of India (AAI) cannot be utilised for these two airports only without jeopardizing its development plans for various airports including financing of loss making airports. The restructuring process is primarily aimed at attracting private sector investment, building public-private partnership and attaining world class service and management standards.

(e): No, Sir.

(f): Does not arise.