Modi govt's negligence in not giving priority to aviation sector safety worrying: Congress
The Congress on Monday (June 16, 2025) accused the Modi government of being negligent in not giving priority to aviation sector safety and said that while it awaits the investigation report on the Ahmedabad plane crash, the Centre must clarify on the "lack of action" despite a parliamentary committee report flagging concerns.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh cited a media report which flagged that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture had raised the issues related to safety in the civil aviation sector through a report tabled in the Rajya Sabha on March 25.
"The Modi government's negligence in not giving priority to safety in the aviation sector is worrying. It is evident from media reports that there is a huge shortage of officers and personnel in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI)," Mr. Ramesh said in a post on X in Hindi.
"53% posts are vacant in DGCA; 35% posts vacant in BCAS; 17% posts vacant in AAI," he said.
How will safe flights be ensured when key departments dealing with aviation safety, inspection, regulation and operations are working at less than half their staff, Mr. Ramesh asked.
"We are waiting for the investigation report on the air crash in Ahmedabad, but the lack of action despite the parliamentary committee report is a serious matter. We demand the government to clarify the situation and take necessary steps on this," the Congress leader said.
His remarks come after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 people on board crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad moments after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.39 pm on June 12.
While 241 people on board the London-bound Air India aircraft died, one passenger miraculously survived. Besides, 29 persons, including five MBBS students, are reported to have died in the disaster on the ground.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
This isn't era of war: Modi & Cyprus President Nikos
In a message to both Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides "expressed concern" over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, and they both agree that "this is not an era of war". At a joint press conference with Christodoulides, Modi said " resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity". "We both expressed concern over the conflicts going on in West Asia and Europe. Their negative impact is not just limited to those regions. We both consider that this is not an era of war. Resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity," Modi said. The remarks against war from Cyprus is notable as Cyprus is located in close proximity to Israel and shares strong ties with Tel Aviv. Modi appreciated Cyprus for its support to India's fight against cross-border terrorism. "We are thankful for Cyprus' support to India's fight against cross-border terrorism," said Modi, who is currently on an official visit to Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour. "We have a historic friendship, and there is trust in ties," Christodoulides said in his remarks. He recalled the horrific Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 and asserted that Cyprus stands in "full solidarity" with India. Cyprus "stands with India in its fight against terrorism" in all forms and manifestations, the President said. Christodoulides also referred to the Ahmedabad plane crash and said the people of Cyprus are with India in this time of grief. Modi and Christodoulides held wide-ranging talks, covering the full range of relations. During the joint press meet, Christodoulides said, "We also discussed the Cyprus issue with the prime minister," adding Cyprus wants to end the "illegal occupation" by Turkey, referring to the disputed northern region. "We extend the gratitude of the Republic of Cyprus to India and its people for their support. The support for the territorial integrity of Cyprus, our reunification," he said. The PM noted that mutual trust in democracy and the rule of law form a "strong foundation of our ties". "Our ties are neither made by circumstances nor limited. We respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said. Modi said, "Together, we will shape the future." Highest civilian honour for Modi "Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations," the PM said. The Order of Makarios III is the senior order of knighthood awarded by the country named after the first President of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios III. "I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights...," the prime minister said.
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
CM distorted history: Venugopal
SLUG-India's Israel policy Kozhikode: AICC general secretary KC Venugopal accused chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan of twisting history by targeting the Congress party in his remarks on Israel during the LDF's Nilambur bypoll campaign. "The Congress party has always stood firmly and consistently for the liberation and rights of the Palestinian people since the time of Mahatma Gandhi. This position is not about winning votes or political gains," said Venugopal. He pointed out that the Congress' solidarity with Palestine has been unwavering throughout successive governments led by Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and others. Every AICC session had passed resolutions expressing the party's support for Palestine, he said. Pinarayi Vijayan had recently criticized previous Congress-led govts at the Centre for moving away from India's long-standing policy of keeping distance from Israel. "Most recently, following the current crisis, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi were among the first to take a strong stand against these developments. Six months ago, in protest against the massacre in Gaza, Priyanka symbolically brought a bag with the Palestinian emblem into Parliament- a move that triggered protests from Sangh Parivar. Not a single communist leader came forward to support her. But now, just two days before the elections, they've decided to bring this up," he said. Venugopal also recalled that it was Vijayan himself who met with the Israeli consul general in December 2022 and spoke about strengthening trade ties between Kerala and Israel, remarking then that such relations should be viewed positively. "What the chief minister is doing now is sheer opportunism. He is trying to use the issue to influence (bypoll)," alleged Venugopal.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Announce full loan waiver for farmers or step down: Cong
Nagpur: The Maharashtra Congress last week launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led state govt over its "failure" to announce a blanket loan waiver for farmers, and the delay in providing the promised Rs 2,100 monthly allowance to eligible women under Ladki Bahin scheme. Congress leaders said any further delay would trigger large-scale public unrest and warned the ruling alliance to either fulfil its commitments or vacate power. MPCC president Harshwardhan Sapkal demanded immediate action, stating, "If the govt cannot help farmers and our beloved sisters, they must step down. They are fooling people with committee talk. Wipe out farmers' loans now." He questioned the state's fiscal priorities, saying, "When it's about leading industrialists, there's no shortage of funds. But when it comes to our farmers and sisters, the treasury is conveniently empty. Why this double standard?" — Vaibhav Ganjapure
