Latest news with #PrafulPatel
Arabian Post
17 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Renewed Race For Gulf-India Aviation Sector Trophy As Stakes Increase Further
By K Raveendran Strong signs of undercurrents are emerging in the aviation space between India and the Gulf. There is renewed tussle over landing rights — the coveted permissions that determine which airlines get to fly where, how often, and with how many seats. For years, this battleground has been tilted in favour of Gulf-based giants, particularly Emirates and later Etihad, both of which have entrenched themselves so deeply in the India-Gulf sector that they dominate passenger volumes, especially among the vast Indian expatriate population in the Gulf. But recent movements suggest that the terrain may be shifting again, albeit not necessarily in India's favour, raising concerns about whether past missteps are being repeated or even institutionalized. The first wave of this dominance came during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) years, a period that aviation experts and political observers often recall with unease. During this time, India's aviation rights — especially in the high-demand Gulf sector — were offered up with a generosity that baffled many. The most glaring beneficiary was Emirates, which capitalised on India's fragmented aviation policy and the aggressive diplomacy of Dubai government. The role of Praful Patel, then Union Civil Aviation Minister, and N. Chandrababu Naidu, then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has often come under scrutiny for facilitating deals that disproportionately benefited Gulf carriers. The underlying implication, often whispered but never proven in courts, was that kickbacks were exchanged for each seat Emirates filled on its India routes — a suggestion that continues to fester in the collective memory of Indian aviation policy circles. At that time, Emirates enjoyed a distinct monopoly, owing largely to the fact that it was the sole UAE-based carrier of international standing. With Dubai's rise as a global aviation hub and Emirates' unmatched marketing muscle, the airline quickly scaled up its footprint in India, locking in prime time slots and lucrative routes with little resistance. In effect, Emirates became the default choice for millions of Indians flying to the Gulf and beyond, eclipsing the capacity and visibility of Indian carriers like Air India. This asymmetry didn't just result in a business setback for Indian aviation — it triggered a slow bleeding of India's aviation sovereignty. The profits, the passenger data, the traffic, and the global prestige of being a gateway carrier all accrued to Emirates, while Indian airlines floundered under the weight of policy paralysis and state apathy. Things became even more complicated when Etihad entered the fray. As Abu Dhabi's flagship carrier, Etihad's arrival introduced a new axis of influence in the India-Gulf aviation theatre. Where earlier it was just Emirates leveraging its ties with Indian authorities to expand its rights, now both Emirates and Etihad were competing not just with each other but also for the same slice of the Indian aviation pie. The diplomatic equation thus had to be recalibrated. No longer could Dubai's interests automatically translate into Emirates' gain. Abu Dhabi, backed by the UAE federal structure, began asserting its claim, demanding equitable treatment for Etihad. India, in turn, found itself in a quagmire. Granting more rights to one Gulf emirate risked offending the other. But instead of revisiting its entire bilateral framework or strengthening Indian carriers to hold their ground, Indian policymakers chose the path of least resistance: acquiescing to more requests from both sides. The result was that foreign carriers ended up with the lion's share of rights, while Indian carriers, with limited international ambitions and fleet capacity at the time, were left watching from the sidelines. Fast forward to today, and the script seems eerily familiar. Both Emirates and Etihad are once again lobbying for increased landing rights and additional seat allocations. This comes at a time when the dynamics of the aviation industry have evolved significantly. There is renewed focus on strategic aviation corridors, a post-pandemic surge in travel, and a stronger realisation globally that aviation is not just commerce — it is a soft power instrument. Yet despite all this, India appears to be on the verge of conceding even more ground. That this is happening without a thorough review of how previous concessions impacted national interests is particularly disheartening. A disturbing undertone to this situation is the re-emergence — or rather, the persistence — of the very individuals who were instrumental in the original giveaways. These actors, once thought to have exited the stage after presiding over what some call the 'Great Indian Aviation Surrender,' are now reappearing in various roles, emboldened by their earlier success and perhaps by the lack of accountability. The risk here is not just the erosion of market share but the institutionalization of a defeatist approach to aviation diplomacy, where India negotiates from a position of weakness rather than asserting its growing economic and geopolitical clout. However, the new player that adds an unexpected twist to this ongoing narrative is IndiGo. As India's largest airline by a considerable margin, IndiGo is no longer content with its domestic dominance. It wants in on the Gulf bonanza, and it is using its size, efficiency, and growing international aspirations to demand a bigger seat at the table. This changes the calculus considerably. For the first time in years, there's an Indian private player with both the appetite and the capacity to challenge Gulf airlines on their turf. IndiGo's entry into the fray has the potential to reshape the competitive landscape — provided, of course, the government aligns national policy with corporate ambition. To avoid repeating past mistakes, India must initiate a root-and-branch review of its bilateral air service agreements. The country needs a clear aviation doctrine — one that articulates when, how, and under what conditions foreign airlines may operate in India. This doctrine must prioritize Indian interests, encourage domestic capacity building, and align with broader national objectives. It must also be shielded from short-term political compulsions and the influence of lobbying networks that have historically undermined strategic policymaking. (IPA Service)
United News of India
4 days ago
- United News of India
Lakshadweep aims quality education, says Administrator Praful Patel
Kochi/Lakshadweep, Jun 2 (UNI) The current focus of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is on ensuring quality infrastructure, teaching-learning materials, and ICT facilities in all schools of all the islands, Administrator Praful Patel has said. "Major initiatives undertaken by UTLA to enhance the quality of education include 100% conversion of classrooms into smart classrooms, provision of e-libraries, ICT labs, language labs, tele-education centers, sensor rooms, and virtual reality labs," the Administrator told UNI. On education sector, Praful Patel said "the literacy rate in the UT is 91.65% as per 2011 census. There are no dropouts in the schools. The Administration has provided universal access to school education by ensuring schools in all the islands." Further, as part of New Education Policy (NEP), Digital Literacy courses have been implemented from Grade 6 onwards. Under PM SHRI program eleven schools have been selected. Further, High speed internet facility have been provided in all classrooms, computer labs and libraries. The Laptop Scheme for college students has been implemented to enhance their access to digital resources and improve their academic and professional growth. Ekalavya Top Scorer Award is implemented to recognize the academic excellence, dedication and spirit of achievement of the students from class 3 to 12. The upgradation and creation aimed at improving school infrastructure in Minicoy, Androth and Kavaratti is currently in progress. A proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the approval of construction of a Polytechnic college in Minicoy at an estimated cost of Rs 163.50 crores.
United News of India
5 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Bandwidth enhancement from 1.7 gbps to 2x100 gbps a game changer in Lakshadweep: Praful Patel
Kochi/Lakshadweep, Jun 1 (UNI) Administrator Praful Patel has stated that the enhancement of bandwidth from 1.7 gbps to 2x100 gbps has fundamentally changed the communication infrastructure in the islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. This has also enabled e-education, e-medicine, e-governance, e-office, e-billing, digital banking, e- commerce, and other e-initiatives in the islands, the administrator told UNI. To enhance the networking infrastructure, 23 out of 27 old 2G/3G towers have been upgraded to 4G. Additionally, 20 new towers with 4G signal radiation are being erected, of which 13 have already been commissioned and 7 are under construction, Praful Patel said. On drinking water facilities, the administrator said, "None of the islands in Lakshadweep has surface freshwater sources, thus relying solely on underground water recharged during the monsoon for potable water." However, groundwater availability is very limited, making rainwater and desalination plants the primary sources of potable water. The administration had established 1 lakh litre capacity per day desalination plants at Kavaratti, Agatti and Minicoy in the past and has now established 1.5 lakh litre capacity plants at Kalpeni, Amini, Kadmat and Chetlat. A plant of 1.5 lakh litre capacity at Kiltan was also expected to be completed by the end of February 2025, and that at Androth by May 2025, Patel said. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Government of India has allocated Rs. 268.81 crore for expanding pipelines to provide functional household tap connections across 10 inhabited islands and installing five 1.5 lakh litre per day capacity desalination plants at Agatti, Kavaratti, Andrott, Amini and Minicoy. FHTCs have been provided to all households on all islands. UNI DS ARN
United News of India
7 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
Most advanced hospitals to come up on five Lakshadweep islands: Praful Patel
Kochi/Lakshadweep, May 30 (UNI) As part of strengthening healthcare delivery infrastructure, the Administration of Union Territory of Lakshadweep has decided to develop state-of-the-art hospitals on five islands. "Currently, work is in progress on three 30-bed hospitals in Minicoy, Androth, and Kadmat, with a project cost of Rs 231.96 crore," Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel told UNI. "The construction of buildings for 50-bed hospitals in Agatti and Kavaratti, with an aggregated amount of Rs 260.38 crore, is under active consideration of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare." These new hospitals with world-class infrastructure are expected to significantly enhance health outcomes and accessibility and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for islanders who currently need to seek treatment at mainland hospitals, Praful Patel said. MHA has also accorded in-principle approval for construction of new Nursing and Paramedical college building (project cost Rs 127 crore) and the matter in now under active consideration of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Lakshadweep has witnessed comprehensive progress in the delivery of healthcare services. Initiatives include launching e-Hospitals in 9 islands, establishing Tele-medicine facilities in 10 islands, and setting up Dialysis Centers in PPP mode at Agatti, Kavaratti and with support of NGOs at Andrott and Amini. The Administration has established a Nursing and Paramedical College with the aim of equipping island youth with essential skills in the medical field. UNI DS ARN
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Party will back you only if you back the party: NCP chief Praful Patel to cadre
Nagpur: In a sharp, no-nonsense address that combined rebuke with reassurance, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) working president Praful Patel criticised his party's Vidarbha leadership on Friday for its sluggish grassroots activity, warning that organisational growth cannot depend on optics or empty shows of strength. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Just wearing tight clothes and walking around won't help. You have to work," he told party functionaries at a packed regional conclave at Parvana Bhavan here. Taking direct aim at inactive district leaders, the Rajya Sabha MP said, "We know exactly how many active members each of you registered. If you can't even get 10 people in your district to sign up and are not doing basic party work, how do you expect the party to grow? And why should we trust your loyalty?" He stressed that registering 10 active members costs only Rs 110 — "less than a day's tea" — but even this minimal effort was being ignored across most districts. Patel's tough words came as the NCP sounded the bugle for the upcoming elections to local self-govt bodies. Despite being part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Patel made it clear that the party would stake a rightful claim on seats only if it demonstrated grassroots strength. "We are in power in Maharashtra, but to claim seats we must have substance and numbers. You will get the seats you want, but first you must show the strength to demand them," he said. Behind the scenes, Patel held detailed one-on-one reviews with office-bearers from each Vidarbha district, focusing on organisational preparedness ahead of the zilla parishad, municipal, and panchayat polls. "You work for the party, and the party will stand firmly behind you. But remember, the party is also watching who is actually working," he assured, offering help for resolving field-level difficulties and coordination issues. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Patel urged the cadre to reach out to citizens, understand their problems, and carry the party's message to every corner. "Once Vidarbha was a Congress stronghold. Today, Congress is down to 16 MLAs in the whole state. The disillusioned voter can turn to us — but only if we make the effort," he said. Calling for an urgent intensification of the membership drive, Patel said the party's expansion was now the top priority. "Strengthening the organisation will benefit all of us. Stop waiting for instructions. Take initiative, increase contact with the people, and work as if your own election depends on it — because it does." The Vidarbha conclave saw participation from MLAs, district chiefs, and city unit heads, with local leaders like Dharmaraobaba Atram, Sanjay Khodke, Rajendra Jain, Baba Gujar, and Manoj Kayande addressing the gathering. City president Prashant Pawar conducted the proceedings. Patel concluded with a firm message: "I'm not here for a ministerial post or to seek power — I have everything I need. My only interest is in building this party. If we stand together, there's no reason we cannot grow stronger in every district."
