Scindia appeals state,UTs to cut VAT on jet fuel

Union Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has called for cooperation and support of all stakeholders, particularly States and UTs, in strengthening the Civil Aviation sector. Addressing the Conference of the ministers of Civil Aviation from States and UTs in New Delhi on Friday, Scindia said that the sector contributes significantly to the economic development of the country but is probably the worst sufferer due to pandemic. Scindia said that the Government does not work in silos, and the Whole-of-the-Government approach has helped the Ministry tackle the Covid-19 effectively, and convert the crisis into an opportunity. 

The Government set up 9 advisory groups, covering a wide array of sub-sectors like Airlines, Airports, MROs, Flying Training Schools, cargoes, Ground handlers, Aircraft manufacturing, and their meetings have been yielding good results, said Scindia. The Minister appealed to the States and UTs to bring down VAT on aviation fuel as it contributes majorly to the operational cost of the flightsmand also called upon them to facilitate new airports by swiftly handling the land allotment issues. He said that the Ministry will be doubling the Airports and taking the number to 200 plus by the year 2023-24. The Minister emphasised on setting up at least one heliport in each district. On the issue of drones, Scindia said that it is Prime Minister’s vision to have a leadership role for the country in the sector, and rules have been framed for promoting it. Production Linked Initiative in the sector will provide further push. Similarly, new initiatives have been taken in the sectors of MRO, Flying Training Organizations, Last Mile Connectivity, Cargo handling, Krishi Udaan, so that the bottlenecks are removed, and the sector gains the growth and pre-eminence.