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EDITORIAL

REVERSE GEAR

There are some interesting reports emanating from a few countries. It was Singapore some days back which offered a package of incentives for parents producing more than two children to meet growing manpower requirements of the island country. The very same party in power had gone in for strict legislative measures to restrict family size. The reason then cited were dearth of space to accommodate more population. Singapore has but one source of expansion and that is through reclamation of sea. It takes decades for this process to yield any results in terms of availability of more land. The process is also very expensive. Perhaps then Singapore was not as rich as it is today logging highest per capita income in Asia. This island nation was also notorious for narcotism and drug trafficking. The Government prescribed death penalty for the offenders and brought about a sea-change in the psyche of the people. It is worth recalling that 80% of the population happens to be Chinese who lived in unhygienic lanes and bylanes doing petty jobs, including domestic helps for the affluent class. But today it is totally transformed. Even spitting on wayside invites punishment and every subject voluntarily follows the dictum 'Cleanliness is Godliness'. Today expanding economy and prosperity galore needs more manpower. The alternative is to. ......more

Jammu gears up to
host 'Durbar'
Tales of Travesty

By Dr. Jitendra Singh
Even while incessantly complaining of discrimination allegedly meted out to it over the years .....more

Tensions and schisms within the dmk

By Jayant Muralidharan
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi once quoted a thirukkural verse to.....more

Musharraf playing
honestly to religious gallery

By M R Rao
I don't belong to that tribe of Indian journalists who would like to say requiem to the.....more

So much for women's lib

By Uma Ramachandran
Oh no, it's a girl', these words spoken at the birth of a baby girl aptly characterise the disappointments and hurdles life has in store for most.......more

Viability of national carriers : Sound policies pay

By D K Arora
Release of a record one million seats annually to foreign carriers under bilateral agreements, commencing of a helicopter .......more

EDITORIAL

REVERSE GEAR

There are some interesting reports emanating from a few countries. It was Singapore some days back which offered a package of incentives for parents producing more than two children to meet growing manpower requirements of the island country. The very same party in power had gone in for strict legislative measures to restrict family size. The reason then cited were dearth of space to accommodate more population. Singapore has but one source of expansion and that is through reclamation of sea. It takes decades for this process to yield any results in terms of availability of more land. The process is also very expensive. Perhaps then Singapore was not as rich as it is today logging highest per capita income in Asia. This island nation was also notorious for narcotism and drug trafficking. The Government prescribed death penalty for the offenders and brought about a sea-change in the psyche of the people. It is worth recalling that 80% of the population happens to be Chinese who lived in unhygienic lanes and bylanes doing petty jobs, including domestic helps for the affluent class. But today it is totally transformed. Even spitting on wayside invites punishment and every subject voluntarily follows the dictum 'Cleanliness is Godliness'. Today expanding economy and prosperity galore needs more manpower. The alternative is to import for which there are restraints and reservations. The island Government does not want to adulterate the massive achievements and revert to old habits. It is perhaps the only people and country in the world that have succeeded in changing the old habits. But more children? No. It is a big 'No' from every couple which refuses to squander away the gains of small family norms. They are an open society. They indulge. They do things. They live life king-size. But more children, no. Never again. They laugh at the incentive package offered by the Government to produce more children. Great are the people; so is their thinking, Indians living there included. The Singapore Government is in quandary, totally at sixes and sevens. Its people refuse to go in reverse gear. The password is no looking back.

Equally similar news comes from Russia. There is report of population shrinkage during the decade. It is negative growth. The descending order is quite alarming in as much as there is a decline of over one crore. If not checked, they have genuine apprehensions that population would further shrink from 15 crore to 13.5 crore in the next 10 to 15 years. At current rate of decline, by the turn of the century Russia would have no population at all! So the message has gone round to do something here and now to check slide down. Here the reason for decline in population are not like Singaporeans. Contrarily, this decline has occurred due to growing poverty, hunger, disease and decline in average longevity due to falling standards. The average life span has already come down to 60. Keep it up Indians! Their average life span is now 62. Thanks to better medicare, food habits and of course lesser people in the BPL category. It is interesting to know that average life span in India at the beginning of 20th century was paltry 25. This is despite the fact that population has increased from 20 crore at the beginning of the last century to 100 crore now. One can add 15 crore Pakistanis and 18 crore Bangladeshis as well which were part of India then. But Russians say no to more children due burgeoning costs, high inflation, lack of opportunities, sinking economy. Let us see what Russian Government do to ensure that Russia survives through the century as a nation. Lessons from Singapore and Russia for India are loud and clear and that is: keep the 'floodgates open'. Therein lies the secret in being Indian first and last. More GDP, more foodgrains, more liberalisation, more engineer and professionals demand more children for export to Japan, Germany, America, Great Britain, China and now Singapore and Russia as well. The happy news is that Government need not do anything. It is on all the same, adding one Australia each year.

Jammu gears up to host 'Durbar'
Tales of Travesty

By Dr. Jitendra Singh

Even while incessantly complaining of discrimination allegedly meted out to it over the years by the powers-that-be, Jammu has never lagged behind in contributing in full measure more than its share of state henchmen, royal courtiers and unfailing "Durbaris". Naturally, therefore, every year, "Durbar" move to the winter capital turns into a momentous event simultaneously gratifying the elitist hangers-on on the one hand and on the other hand reassuring partly if not wholly the insecure morale of the ordinary have-nots who look forward to yet another occasion to queue up outside the Secretariat gate holding photostat copies of their pending representations mutely waiting for a divine intervention.

Nevertheless, with the "Durbar" offices due to open tomorrow, the city of Temples --- nay the city of stones, nay the city of obeisance -making eulogisers, nay the city of subdued sufferers --- is bustling with unique flurry of activity atonce symbolising the optimism of a handful of the Government-friendly self-serving activists on the one hand and on the other hand simultaneously symbolising the pessimism of unwanted unattended commoners destined to survive from day to day at their own peril irrespective of whoever holds the reins of power.

The "Durbar" will also bring with it fleets of staff cars mostly white Ambassadors with tinted glasses conveniently camouflagging the unauthorised use of Government transport by bedecked wives and pampered children of the privileged ones. As a consequence, let the Jammuites be prepared for more frequent traffic jams on the Tawi Bridge and the Flyover as the city's already existing traffic congestion gets more congested with the security escorted motorcades of "popularly" elected Ministers and "unpopularly" appointed Commissioners.

Macaulay had once remarked that democracy was from an early period the most aristocratic and aristocracy the most democratic in the world. With the "Durbar" moving down to Jammu, the aristocrats dominating the society look forward to gain an easy access to the aristocrats controlling the polity.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, for all and sundry seeking credentials as political or semi-political workers and nursing ambitions of a public career, the "Durbar" move holds out a promising prospect. Make a show when the "Durbar" is a witness. Present a memorandum. Hold a stage-managed press photo session. Arrange a colourful meeting with State high-ups. Fix an appointment preferably with the Chief Minister or atleast with one of the many Ministers. The potential issues to serve as pretext for such an appointment are in plenty --- law and order, traffic, hospital management, power curtailment, price rise, environment, regional discrimination and so on. For, if power eludes you, you can still be a power-broker. If people of Jammu refuse to recognise you as their leader, you can still gain entry into the "Durbar" through the back door and throw your weight around as an influential "courtier".

As for the common man, will the "Durbar" in Jammu make any difference? Or, will it simply be another six months of annual ordeal? Nagging power-cuts and sickening traffic jams? Humiliation in Secretariat corridors and unrequited wait outside VIP bungalows? Will the political masters and the bureaucratic stewards, for once, offer a semblance of some justice.

Or, will as usual the "Durbar" high-ups and Jammu's habitual clapper - boys gang up to share the feast at the cost of poor common man thus making Umapathy the butt of poet Akbar Allahabadi's refrain "Qaum Ke Gham Mein Dinner Khaatey Hain Huk-kaam Ke Saath, Ranj Leader Ko Bahut Hain Magar Aaraam Ke Saath."

Tensions and schisms within the dmk

By Jayant Muralidharan

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi once quoted a thirukkural verse to illustrate his pride in his son MK Stalin. He said, "The biggest favour a son can do his father is make others say, 'How fortunate a father he is to have a son like this.' Stalin has done me this favour." Today, pondering the ugly turn another son of his, MK Azhagiri, has done him, the DMK supremo may may just be wondering where exactly he went wrong. For long, the main accusation levelled against the two mainstream Dravidian parties - DMK and AIADMK - has been that neither had groomed an effective, second line leadership. AIADMK has always been a party centred around a single figure. First MGR and now J. Jayalalitha. With increasing likelihood of her being convicted in corruption cases today, the question was raised, 'After Jayalalitha, whom?' It was realised that the AIADMK didn't have effective second rung leaders with the charisma to carry the party along.

Neither had she bothered to 'groom' anyone, given her own insecurity. There were just numerous breakaway factions of the AIADMK which don't carry much weight with the electorate. The spotlight has now fallen on TTV Dinakaran, nephew of Jayalalitha's uyir thozlu (bosom friend) Sasikala Natarajan, who won an M.P. seat on an AIADMK ticket. Not only does he head the party's Jayalalitha Peravais (Jayalalitha Forums), but is also party to the inner workings of 36, Poes Garden. On the other hand, the succession issue ought not to have become a major stumbling block in a party like the DMK, with its overwhelming organisational strength and internal democracy. That it has is all due to supremo M. Karunanidhi. He has not been as supportive of younger leaders as his mentor and DMK founder C. N. Annadurai who was known to go out of his way to introduce youngsters to the audience at public meetings and give them popular sobriquet such as kalaignar perasriyar (the learned one) and idhayakanni (fruit of my heart). Karunanidhi critics say he was more intent on seeing his sons grow in politics.

Stalin is the most visible and public face of Karunanidhi's five sons, three of whom chose to come into politics. Forty-seven-year-old Stalin is president of the DMK's Youth Wing and also Chennai mayor, having won mayoral elections in 1996 with a margin of four lakh votes. His political career began in 1967, when as a 14-year old, he campaigned for his cousin Murasoli Maran in the south Madras Lok Sabha constituency.

In 1973 Stalin was voted into the general committee of the DMK. Three years later, he was arrested under MISA during the Emergency and served a year in prison. Meanwhile, to counter MGR's exit from the DMK in 1975 to form the AIADMK, Karunanidhi was keen to groom one of his sons as an alternative youth leader. His attempts to rope in his eldest son M K Muthu failed when Muthu flopped both in films and politics. He even deserted to the AIADMK in the late 1980s, though he patched up with his father later. Today, Muthu has faded into oblivion and subsists on doles from his father who is not on speaking terms with him.

Stalin was the DMK chief's next choice. In 1996, he was nominated by the DMK to stand for Chennai mayoral elections and won by a handsome margin. Since then he has made a modest success of creating singara Chennai (beautiful Chennai) by building a series of flyovers and sprucing up its civic system. But despite having lived with his father for most of his life, Stalin doesn't seem to have imbibed the finer points of charisma, wit and intellect which make Karunanidhi such a farourite with the masses. He is a good speaker, but nowhere as scintillating as the elder man. Stalin is very prominent at all DMK's public functions and DMK leaders, including seniors like the general secretary of the party K Anbazhagan don't hesitate to heap encomiums on him at every available opportunity. He had more or less confined himself to Chennai but now has started venturing out. He recently visited the southern districts at the chief minister's behest.

The trip was deeply resented by Karunanidhi's other son, 50-year-old Azhagiri, since the southern districts has long been his 'fiefdom'. Ironically Azhagiri was sent to Madurai more than 15 years ago by Karunanidhi himself to take charge of the Madurai edition of the party organ, Murasoli. Though he wasn't given a party post, he slowly took over the collection of money, printing and distribution of leaflets and pamphlets for the party, and soon became a sounding board for DMK cadres and functionaries in the southern districts who didn't have easy access to Karunanidhi in Chennai.

In fact, according to supporters, when Vaiko broke away from DMK and formed the MDMK in 1993, Azhagiri prevented en masse exodus from DMK to the MDMK. Things would have carried on but for the fact that Karunanidhi wanted to give more exposure to Stalin, whom he considers his political heir. When the chief minister sent him on tour to southern disticts, Stalin trod on his brother's toes. There were other reasons besides. A committee headed by odus from DMK to the MDMK. Things would have carried on but for the fact that Karunanidhi wanted to give more exposure to Stalin, whom he considers his political heir. There were other reasons besides. A committee headed by Kovai Ramnathan was appointed to look into the DMK's debacle in the southern districts during the 1998 parliamentary elections. The committee found that large scale corruption among district secretaries and some state ministers was one of the major reasons for the poor showing of the DMK. Azhagiri was adamant that those who had erred should be punished. But during the DMK organisational elections, no action was taken. Also, during recent organisational elections, most of the district secretaries who have been appointed are perceived to be pro-Stalin. Adding insult to injury, Azhagiri's recommendation for appointment of certain youth wing secretaries went totally unheeded. The perception also grew that the DMK was ignoring its senior functionaries in favour of heavyweight deserters from AIADMK. Former AIADMK leaders like Karuppasamy Pandian and Raghupathy were not only accepted into the DMK, but given prominent positions, whereas party seniors like C Kaverianiam have been repeatedly denied. This shook the party high command since it demonstrated Azhagiri's grip over the party in south. Additionally, Azhagiri took to boycotting Karunanidhi's visits to Madurai by deliberately leaving town. His father would reciprocate by not visiting his home and family.

All this culminated in Azhagiri boycotting the Mupperum Vizha celebrations of the party held on September 17, 2000. An equally irritated DMK high command issued a statement two days later asking partymen to severe links with Azhagiri with regard to party affairs 'since he undermined the discipline of the party and partymen'. Azhagiri retorted that he had already distanced himself from the party affairs and had decided not to have any say in the selection of candidates in the forthcoming assembly elections. The DMK statement was not accepted by DMK functionaries in the southern districts, many of whom are loyal to Azhagiri.

But a potentially dangerous situation for the DMK has been averted with Azhagiri choosing not to up the ante. Status quo thus persists in Madurai. "If Stalin is like Ganesh, then Azhagiri is like Murugan, to Karunanidhi's Shiva", said an irrepressible political commentator. The meaning is clear. Stalin who has always been near his father is reaping the benefits while Azhagiri who has been far removed physically, is being sidelined. Karunanidhi is one of the best orators, litterateurs and mass leaders produced by the Dravidian movement in the state. But like all successful men, his progeny have not lived upto the rather exalted standards he has set for them. His failure lies in not recognising this fact. But once he exits from the seene not all the DMK leaders are going to accept Stalin tamely. As long as Karunanidhi is around, they will pretend to. Once he goes DMK is sure to see a bloody, messy battle for succession. INAV

Musharraf playing honestly to religious gallery

By M R Rao

I don't belong to that tribe of Indian journalists who would like to say requiem to the General in Islambad. Nor am I the one who believes that all is not well with his rule to warrant open display of discontent. Certainly, I refuse to go by the reports appearing in the media, particularly the Indian media. Not that I am prepared to be carried away by Pakistan's Lifafa press.

Frankly, I always tend to give a discount to what appears in the sub-continent, where patriotism of the media enjoys top billing. Whether it is the old lady of Bori Bunder, The Times of India, or the venerated Karachi belle, The Dawn, it is the same story, the same attitude, often behind a veneer of cynicism of the worst order. Having put in so many caveats on news that is readily available, and with the West seldom interested in the sub-continent, except when the issue is nuclear proliferation, the one and the only source I look to eagerly for reading the pulse, no, not the PTV, is the venerable General himself.

Parvez Musharraf is not a bad communicator. He is not in the same league as Gen Zia, though. The late Chief Martial Law Administrator was an exceptionally brilliant one-person P R agency. Neverthless , Musharraf's plus point is the clarity of thought and expression. What strikes one, even a die-hard critic, is the ring of sincerity in what he says.

Take for instance what he had said about a year ago; when he outlined his dream of building a strong, corruption-free Pakistan, he had the everyone eating out of the outstretched hands, literally. His chosen instrument, NAB, was welcomed with open arms in a society where corruption has become endemic.

The acronym, NAB, stands for National Accountability Bureau under the formidable chairman, Lt. General Amjad. As the long arm of the NAB struck terror in the hearts of high and mighty hitherto considered sacred cows, public felt happy "those who had pillaged the nation for decades were "getting their come-uppance.

Today, celebrating his first year in office, Parvez Musharraf sounds equally sincere when he frankly admits: "The pace of accountability has been slow". His reason for the tardy progress sound convincing for any one familiar with the slow moving wheels of justice. "The NAB has prepared all the cases, court decisions are awaited. Now you tell me what can be done in this context. But I must tell me you that those at fault are not above the law and their fate will be decided in a very short period of time."

Accountability is one word that has no place in the political lexicon. It does not need a great effort to come across politicians who are directly or indirectly hand in glove with corruption, misuse and abuse of power, misappropriation of property, kickbacks and commissions. Since the Generals and party to Governance of the country one way or the other during its five decades plus existence, very few of them are lily-white. Whatever doubts may still linger are put to rest by the Hamoodur Rahman Commission report on the debacle in the 1971 war against India.

After analysing the evidence brought before it, the Commission, headed by the then Chief Justice of Paksitan, observed, "We came to the conclusion that the process of moral degeneration among the senior ranks of the Armed Forces was set in motion by their involvement in Martial Law duties in 1958, that these tendencies reappeared and were, in fact, intensified when Martial Law was imposed in the country once again in March 1969 by General Yahya Khan and there was indeed substance in the allegations that a considerable number of senior army officers had not only indulged in large scale acquisition of lands and houses and other commercial activities but had also adopted highly immoral and licentious ways of life, which seriously affected their professional capabilities and their qualities of leadership."

The Commission recorded in graphic detail "glaring cases of moral lapses" amongst senior military officers with roots in Lahore. Whey only Lahore? May be it has something to do with the Anarkali Bazar of some fascination with the life of a bygone era. One example.

"...He (a former Martial Law Administrator and G.O.C at Lahore) was on intimate terms with one Mrs Saeeda Bukhari of Gulberg, Lahore, who was running a brothel under the name of Senorita Home, and was also acting as the General's tout for receiving bribes and getting things one; that he was also friendly with another woman called Shamim Firdaus of Sialkot, who was said to be playing the same role as Mrs Saeeda Bukhari of Lahore.... (Later) he came to acquire a stinking reputation owing to his association with women of bad repute, and his noctural visits to places also frequented by several junior officers under his command; and that he indulged in smuggling...."

I am holding back the name of the General. Because, there is no need for big guess work to identify the man.

The Hamoodur Rahman report is not dated; it is very much relevant to present-day Pakistan. Much water might have flowed down the Sindh in the past three decades. Even then. Because, the Armed Forces remained influential during the short periods of popular politicians' rule; often acted as the final arbiters and occupied several civilian jobs, such mundane tasks like water and power distribution including. So much so, the malaise identified by the learned judges, has spread deeper into the system.

Parvez Musharraf is not unaware of the problem. He himself is not above board in matters of real estate. Of course, he tried to clear his name by releasing a long list of properties - land, house sites, and apartments -- held by him in Lahore and a host of other cities and cantonments two months after he became the CEO. It did not attract much media attention within Pakistan, itself, not to speak of outside. Probably, his critics did not find anything wrong with his love for land in a country where everyone's fond desire is to own a roof over the head. Musharraf list was conspicuously silent over properties held in the name of his family members wife and parent including. Holding properties in other's names is a normal practice. Exceptions are not rule, nor a way of life in Pakistan.

The short print is General Musharraf was honest; he knew the State of affairs, he did not find any valid ground to ask NAB to focus on the army's backyard. He ignored the demands from the affected political class, his prime target -- the Benazirs and the Sharifs and their lackeys. What is wrong in this?

Often, I come across the criticism that Musharraf cannot claim the Kamal Attaturk legacy. I don't know how valid the criticism is. Just because he spent his prime youth in Turkey, he cannot become a repository of all the great qualities of the reformer. Does his handicap come in his way of admiration for the Turkish hero? According to me, it does't. I will never hold his casual remark, made shortly after his takeover of the reins of Pakistan, in praise of Attaturk, against him today. The very fact that Turkey's Prime Minister ignored Musharraf invitation to visit Islamabad while in the sub-continent buttresses my contention.

Musharraf's constituency is the Armed Forces. They are in league with the religious parties and groups, often in their forefront as champions, torch-bearers, as the foot soldiers of Islam. This is not a sudden development. It has been a reality ever since Pakistan ended its brief brush with Jinnaism. That is why I find Parvez Musharraf sincere and honest when he enjoys his ball with the religious fraternity, obliges them on the blasphemy laws, on Talibanisation, on Jehad ... and endeavours to exclude the known political class from politics and make it a domain of the clergy. -- CNF

So much for women's lib

By Uma Ramachandran

Oh no, it's a girl', these words spoken at the birth of a baby girl aptly characterise the disappointments and hurdles life has in store for most women in India. As technology grows by leaps and bounds, it often brings with it a tragic fate for the female child. With the rampant availability of ultra-sound sonography, female foetuses are conveniently aborted during the first few months of pregnancy, more often than not, against the wishes of the mother.

And the malady is growing. Rough estimates for 1999 put the figure of such female abortions at a staggering quarter million. Some would argue that abortion is a kinder fate for these female children who would otherwise grow up only to be riddled with the evils of society. Besides their own lives being a constant torment, often their mothers are tortured and berated for having the ill fortune of bearing a girl. Other excuses include the burdens of finding a husband, wedding expenses and the prime evil of all- dowry. Population control is also a well-cited reason.

But are all these reasons adequate justification for murder? When abortion is used as a means for gender preference, is it not actually foeticide? The government has taken steps to prevent this by banning identification of sex through ultra-sound sonography. But these laws are poorly implemented and gender-discriminatory abortions continue.

As women across the world strive for equality, India continues to languish in a patriarchal society. From the onset of life, the woman is confronted with constant impediments that hinder her progress. Nutrition is probably the first such obstacle. Girls are often not given the same nutritious diet as boys. Hence their bodies and minds are not as well developed as their male counterparts. Many times when a female foetus is detected, the mother is given a less healthy diet than she would be had she been carrying a male. In such cases the female child is often born with deficiencies and disabilities. These deficiencies leave them lagging behind in school. In many instances, the girl child is not educated at all.

Unfortunately, the Indian mindset is still largely against the progress and advancement of women. From the time they are born, be they in a rural poverty-stricken family or a cosmopolitan urban setting, women are brought up with the notion that they are good for nothing apart from carrying out reproductive and household chores. Education of urban women, in many cases, simply amounts to a means of making a better marriage. An English-medium education means a better-educated husband and less dowry. Barbaric as these practices might seem, they are still the norm and not the exception in India.

True, there are women who have gone ahead with their careers. There are women doctors, engineers and lawyers. However, the vast majority is still plagued with the plight of being a housewife who gets no credit for her work. A male presence is deemed necessary in a woman's life and single women have no standing in society. As renowned journalist Fatima Norohna aptly explains, "The bottom line of our 'Indian ethos' is that a woman is worthless without her husband."

During her childhood, the girl is dependent on her father or brother and is not permitted to develop her own identity. From infancy, girls are taught that they must make a good marriage. She is told that she does not belong to her parents but to her future in-laws. Parents play the role of a caretaker for the girl till she is of age. She is not permitted the same freedoms and benefits as her brothers; nor is she entitled to the same privileges. She is handed over to her husband like some piece of chattel and becomes his responsibility. Never is she permitted an identity of her own. Instead she must always be an extension of the male in her life, be it her father, brother, husband or son. In other words, she is a secondary citizen. While money is spent on a boy's education, the girl child receives jewellery. Since she is not expected to earn her own living or support herself, serious education is often viewed as a frivolity.

This isn't to say that all women in India besides the privileged few are doomed. India, like the rest of the world, is making progress in terms of securing women's position in society. For example, with the effect of globalisation a middle class has emerged in India. This middle class is the most progressive section of Indian society. Women belonging to this stratum are normally well-educated and career-oriented. They are expected to help make a living while juggling the chores at home, including taking care of the children.

These women should be looked upon as role models and admired for what they have achieved. Most offices these days boast of women employees, and unlike in the past they occupy higher positions. It is a struggle for these women to move ahead. But at least they have the opportunity and are striving towards professions outside their homes.

Rural women have also advanced in certain areas. Organisations have been set up to promote cottage industries like weaving and handicrafts which largely employ women. These women are able to work without leaving their homes and villages. It is essential not to ignore this progression of women in India even while looking at the mammoth struggle that still lies ahead for the majority.

There may not be a feminist revolution in India but slowly and steadily women are changing their own position in society. It's a bitter struggle but some day India will truly be a democracy, and not just for the rich and male population, but for every citizen.

Viability of national carriers : Sound policies pay

By D K Arora

Release of a record one million seats annually to foreign carriers under bilateral agreements, commencing of a helicopter service to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, turning around of Indian Airlines, tackling the millennium bug and hijacking of Indian Airlines aircraft from Kathmandu to kandahar have been some of the highlights of the one-year rule of the Civil Aviation Ministry under the Vajpayee- led NDA coalition Government.

The decisions to declare seven domestic airports as international airports, disinvestment of Air India, Indian Airlines and the Hotel Corporation of India (HCI) and leasing out of four major international airports were some other important decisions taken during the year.

Both the Civil Aviation Ministers Mr Sharad Yadav and Prof Chaman Lal Gupta- have been successful in improving the financial position of the national flag carriers- Air India and Indian Airlines. Air India has shown significant reduction of net loss from Rs 297 crore in 1996-97 to Rs 38 crore in 1999-2000. There has also been a steady improvement in operating results as there has been an operating profit of Rs 76 crore in 1999-2000 compared to operating losses of Rs 413 crore in 1996-97. Similarly, Indian Airlines has earned a profit of Rs 39.25 crore during 1999-2000 as against a profit of Rs 13.12 crore during 1998-1999.

Both the flag carriers- have finally managed to dry-lease aircraft to meet their fleet expansion requirements. On the one hand, Air India is in the process of procuring some aircraft on dry-lease basis to meet the present shortfall, Indian Airlines has finalised proposals to acquire five B-737 aircraft and two A-320 aircraft on dry-lease basis to augment its fleet strength.

On completion of one year of the NDA Government, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, said that one of the main challenges before the Government was to create a world class infrastructure to support its efforts and derive full benefits of liberalisation. ''Civil aviation in today's technology-driven world is one of the key elements in our effort to develop infrastructure facilities.

Prof Gupta said the other and more important part was the air navigation services infrastructure, because this had a direct bearing on safety of operations. Considering its importance and its direct relations with safety, it had to be given the priority it deserved and constraints of resources would not be allowed to come in the way of development of this crucial infrastructure.

Highlighting the various initiatives taken by the Government to boost the Civil Aviation activities in the country. Prof Gupta said the decision of privatisation of airlines and long-term leasing of four international airports were the right method for attracting private investment into the infrastructure sector.

''If we have to create a bigger base and tap the latent demand of air travel, particularly in the smaller cities, the Government has to invest in expanding the airport infrastructure and building new airports''.

The Government has decided to disinvest 51 per cent of the Government equity in Indian Airlines, of which 26 per cent would be to joint venture/strategic partner. The remaining 25 per cent, would be offered to employees; financial institutions and the public. An Inter-ministerial Group has been constituted to assist in the process of disinvestment, comprising representatives of the Department of Disinvestment, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Department of Economic Affairs, Department of Enterprises and the Indian Airlines.

The Government has decided to bring down the equity of Government of India in Air India to 40 per cent. Out of 60%, 40 per cent of the equity would be disinvested by the sale to a strategic partner, 10 per cent to the employees, and 10 per cent to financial institutions and/or on the share market. In the event of the strategic partner be in a joint venture with an element of foreign holding, the arrangement should be such as would limit the foreign holding in Air India to a maximum of 26 per cent.

Leasing out of four major international airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta on long-term basis is in progress. Further, as part of private sector participation, three new international airports, in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa, are being constructed with private participation.

The restructuring of airports is aimed at attracting private investments for building airpots of world-class standard, oversee improvement of services and enhancement in managerial efficiency. The revenue earned from the leasing would go to Airports Authority of India for cross-subsidisation of other airports. The AAI Act would be amended by the Government to provide the enabling legislation for the lease plan. The consortium comprising of KPMG India, has been selected as financial consultant for leasing of airports.

Bilateral agreements with different countries is another key area in the process of liberalisation. During the last one year, 15 bilateral air service agreements have been signed, providing for a total of 13,129 seats per week for each side in each direction.

In order to connect the State capitals with the District headquarters, the Government has decided to provide aviation turbine fuel (ATP) for turbo-prop aircraft (smaller aircraft) at international rates. It has also been decided that States would charge a uniform sales tax on ATF for turbo-prop aircraft at the rate of 4 per cent by notifying it as ''declared goods'' under the Central Sales Tax Act.

By notifiying ATF as ''declared good'' States will not be able to levy tax at rates exceeding 4 per cent and such tax cannot be levied in more than one State. The proposed decision would enable operators to bring down the cost of operations and make operations more cost effective with increased services in North-East and far-flung areas.

The thrust of Government to promote operation of turbo-prop aircraft would encourage operators to acquire and fly them liberally and enable them to serve the region in a better way by connecting new places where airports are suitable only for small aircraft operation and also augment capacity on the existing routes.

With a view to modernising/upgrading the airports, a number of initiatives have been taken. One major decision taken is to declare seven domestic airports in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa, Amritsar, Guwahati and Cochin as international Airports. This will no doubt boost the international traffic through these airports. The Government has also approved construction of new airports of international standards at Devanhalli near Bangalore, Shemshabad near Hyderabad and Mopa in Goa. The airports will be constructed with private sector participation.

The scheme of 'Known Shippers' (regulated agents) has been introduced by the Government. Under the schemes the prescribed security measures would be adopted by the identified 'Known Shippers' and cargo consignments would be accepted by air carriers on the basis of certification stating that the consignment is safe for air transportation. The scheme has been developed to remove impediments in the speedy movement of air cargo without compromising security.

Introduction of modern air traffic systems and a new international terminal at Mumbai airport: a new terminal building at Bagdogra; upgradation work at Gaya and Jammu airports are some of the important developmental activities taken up by the Airports Authority of India.

Satellite-based Communication, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS) and modern Air Traffic Management systems are being introduced as part of automation of air traffic control facilities.

Domestic air traffic during the last eight months of the current year has shown growth rate of more than 10 per cent. Thus, after stagnation of air traffic for some years the domestic air transport is now poised for a healthy growth. The international passenger traffic to and from India, which had grown at an average rate of 6 per cent during the 1990s, has been maintained even during the year 2000.

The Government is formulating a comprehensive civil aviation policy covering all its aspects. The draft is available on the ministry website (http:/www.civilaviation,nic.in.). The emphasis in the policy will be on increasing the role of private sector and to bring in greater efficiency in management of aviation infrastructure. The policy also envisages setting up of an 'Economic Regulatory Authority'' to oversee the financial practices of the airports.

The hijack of an Indian Airlines aircraft IC 184 (?) from Kathmandu to Kandahar (Afghanistan) has been a blow for the Government. To make air travel safer, the Ministry has since tightened security arrangements at the national and international airports. The security measures include, deputing sky marshals in all airlines and in all flights on a random basis.

It has been decided to induct Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at all operational airports in a phased manner. CISF has been already conducted at nineteen airports in the country. Frisking of passengers and hand baggage is given highest priority with the introduction of ladder point frisking, restriction of hand baggage and sample physical checking of hand baggage upon entry into the sterile area.

The Government has signed Rs 142.40 crore financial agreement with European Union seeking to enhance cooperation between Indian industry and its European counterparts in the field of aviation safety, air-worthiness, airlines management, and air-traffic management. The project will be funded through a grant of Rs 80.1 crore from the EC and a contribution of Rs 26.7 crore from the European Aerospace Industries. The Indian contribution was valued at Rs 35.6 crore.

One of the major highlights of the year was when the entire civil aviation network in the country successfully rolled over to new millennium without any Y2K problem. - CNF



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