Civil aviation should no longer be a central subject, asks PM Modi

Indian PM Narendra Modi has said that states should have a significant say in the implementation of the regional air connectivity programme under the new civil aviation policy which is to be unveiled this week.

He has said that giving states more space to decide on aviation-related matters is necessary since aviation should not only be a central subject.

"The Prime Minister's Office had asked to provide more powers to states on deciding the airports they want to launch flights from and on a few other things," a senior ministry official told ET while requesting anonymity. The official added that these changes have been made in the policy document and have been sent to the Cabinet.

As per the proposed regional connectivity scheme, the government will offer a subsidy to flights that connect currently non-operational airports at a pre-decided fare of Rs 2,500 per hour of flight. The analyst hired by the civil aviation ministry welcomed the government's move to bring states on board.

"Giving powers to state will only make implementation better and is a welcome step," said Amrit Pandurangi, senior director at consultancy firm Deloitte.

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