The Civil Aviation Ministry witnessed a significant decline in its allocation in Budget 2023-24 presented on Wednesday.
The Budget allocated Rs 3,113.36 crore to the ministry, against Rs 10,667 crore in 2022-23, which was later revised to Rs 9,363.70 crore.
The Budget documents showed that the major reduction is mainly due to lower money allocation for AI Asset Holding Ltd (AIAHL), a special purpose vehicle formed by the government and that holds various assets of national carrier Air India.
The Budget announced on Wednesday has allocated Rs 1,114.49 crore for AIAHL under the public sector undertakings segment. In the Budget for 2022-23, AIAHL was initially allocated Rs 9,259.91 crore, which was later revised to Rs 7,200 crore and the provision is kept for servicing of loan transferred to SPV as a result of financial restructuring of Air India.
On the other hand, the latest budget has hiked the amount for regional air connectivity to Rs 1,244.07 crore for the next financial year starting April 1. The proposal is for revival of 22 airports and for commencement of 100 RCS routes, and viability gap funding for northeast connectivity. To improve connectivity in the NE Region, a new scheme has also been formulated for providing air connectivity and aviation infrastructure.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech announced that 50 additional airports, heliports, water aerodromes and advance landing grounds will be revived for improving regional air connectivity.
Aviation regulator DGCA has got Rs 309 crore in this Budget and the provision is for meeting the establishment expenditure of the Director General of Civil Aviation and its regional and field offices. It provides for Training Projects, eGCA Project, construction of DGCA Bhawan. It also includes provision for India's contribution to the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Manipur: Security forces nab eight militants with arms, ammunition
In a series of successful joint operations, Assam Rifles, in coordination with Manipur Police, apprehended eight hardcore militants from different locations of three districts in the violence-hit state, officials said on Wednesday.
Tripura’s unemployment ratio less than national average, says CM Saha
Of the 2,806 candidates, 2437 multi-tasking staff (Group-D) would be posted in 37 departments while 369 pharmacists and laboratory technicians would be posted in the health and other departments, Saha said and termed the day in providing government jobs as historic.
PM Modi presenting NE region as ‘Astalakshmi’: HM Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, considering the huge development and enormous resources of the eight northeastern states, is presenting the region before the country as ‘Astalakshmi’.
BJP set to storm back to power in Delhi after 27 years: Exit polls
A poll of seven exit polls predicted 42-49 seats for the BJP in the Assembly election to end its 27-year jinx, signalling an end of Arvind Kejriwal’s winning streak in Delhi after three back-to-back victories. The final results will be declared on February 8.
India's gold investments surge 60 pc to Rs 1.5 lakh crore in 2024: Report
Gold investments in India saw a significant surge in 2024 with a rise of 60 per cent in value terms to reach $18 billion (approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore) compared to 2023, according to a report on Wednesday.
Fate of 699 candidates sealed as voting for Delhi polls ends
A total of 1.5 crore eligible Delhi voters sealed the fate of 699 candidates in the Assembly election on Wednesday to pick a new 70-member House with the turnout hovering around 60 per cent till reports last came in at 6 p.m., an official said.
PM Modi condoles demise of eminent philanthropist and spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan
Calling him a visionary who dedicated his entire life to service and spirituality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled the demise of noted billionaire philanthropist and spiritual leader Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
57.70 per cent voter turnout recorded in Delhi Assembly polls
Voting to pick a new 70-member Delhi Assembly continued peacefully on Wednesday as the turnout touched 57.70 per cent till 5 p.m. with the ruling AAP eyeing a fourth straight win and the BJP putting up a tough fight to return to power after 1998.