Crying foul, the Opposition today alleged in the Lok Sabha that there was a deliberate design to make state carrier Air India bankrupt in order to privatise it, prompting the Government to rule out privatisation and promise administrative and monetary steps to turn it around.

CPI and BJP members slammed the Government saying that it was doing nothing to help the bleeding ‘Maharaja’, which used to be a symbol of prestige, and is now on death bed.

Specifically targeting Air India Chairman and Managing Director for the mess and attacking the Prime Minister’s Office for his appointment, they demanded an overhaul of the entire management followed by full financial infusion, contending that the recent Rs 1,200-crore package was not at all enough.

Responding to the members’ concern expressed through a calling attention motion, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr V. Narayanasamy, ruled out any move to privatise Air India and said the Government would provide “all possible support” to strengthen the carrier.

Listing various steps being contemplated to turn around the airline, he said there will be a complete “rationalisation” of manpower.

“If government found any officer responsible for the losses, government will take action. Government has an open mind... government will definitely consider that... action against officers responsible,” said Mr Narayanasamy, responding on behalf of the Civil Aviation Minister, Mr Vayalar Ravi, who is suffering from a throat infection.

Dissatisfied with the reply, the Opposition members staged a walkout.

Action to be taken if any official found responsible for losses suffered by Air India: Govt

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