In a significant development in the Rajya Sabha, Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas raised critical concerns regarding passenger safety and the prevailing duopoly in India's civil aviation sector. This discussion came just a day after the tragic plane crash in Baramati that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
Safety Standards Under Scrutiny
During the Zero Hour session, Brittas pointed to what he described as deteriorating safety standards in the aviation industry. He referenced the fatal crash in Baramati on Wednesday, noting that the same operator had been involved in a plane crash in Mumbai back in 2023. Alarmingly, the investigation report for that earlier incident remains pending, raising questions about accountability and transparency in accident probes.
Brittas further highlighted another unresolved case, stating that the details of what caused a crash in Ahmedabad last year are still not known to the public. These incidents collectively paint a concerning picture of safety lapses that demand immediate governmental attention and action.
The Duopoly Dilemma in Civil Aviation
Beyond safety, Brittas flagged the issue of market concentration, where two airlines control approximately 90% of the domestic aviation market. He argued that this duopoly not only leads to high airfares, especially during peak festive seasons, but also has a detrimental impact on safety standards. "Even in the citadel of capitalism, the United States, no single domestic airline holds a 25% share. In China, even the three largest airlines put together would not cross 60%," he remarked, drawing international comparisons to emphasize the need for more competition in India.
Brittas had previously raised this issue, linking the lack of competition to inflated prices and now, to compromised safety. His statements suggest that a more diversified market could foster better practices and lower risks for passengers.
Other Key Issues Raised in Zero Hour
The Zero Hour session also saw other MPs bringing forth pressing matters. Samajwadi Party MP Javed Ali Khan urged the government to revise the income limits for beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, 2013. He pointed out that these limits have remained stagnant at Rs 2 lakh for rural areas and Rs 3 lakh for urban areas for the past 13 years, despite increases in salaries for government employees, MGNREGA wages, and even MPs' own pay.
In addition, BJP MP K Laxman called for stringent action against surrogate advertising, which often bypasses regulations on promoting harmful products. Congress MP Neeraj Dangi appealed for government intervention to curb the rising prices of gold and silver, highlighting economic concerns affecting consumers.
These discussions in the Rajya Sabha reflect a broader agenda of addressing systemic issues in aviation, food security, advertising ethics, and commodity prices, with passenger safety and market fairness taking center stage in the wake of recent tragedies.
