Latest news with #Jha
Mint
8 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Air India Crash: Parliament panel had flagged 'discrepancy' in aviation funding, months before Ahmedabad tragedy
Air India Crash: A parliamentary standing committee report flagged a 'distinct imbalance' and 'discrepancy' in the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies in March, about three months before the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The panel observed that the 'discrepancy' raised important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel recommended the adoption of performance-based budgeting for aviation regulatory bodies, linking allocations to specific performance indicators. 'The Committee observes that the Capital Outlay for BE 2025 distinct imbalance in the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), entrusted with regulatory oversight, commands the largest share of ₹ 30 Crore, nearly half of the total budget,' reads the report by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture. Air India Plane Crash: The 32-member standing committee, headed by Janata Dal United MP Sanjay Jha, presented its report in the Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2025. The London-bound Air India flight AI-171 carrying 242 passengers and crew members crashed in Ahmedabad on 12 June. All but one on board the plane died along with nearly 29 on the ground when the aircraft smashed into a medical complex. 'While its role in ensuring compliance with aviation standards is indisputable, the justification for such a significant allocation must be carefully examined to ensure efficiency and accountability,' the report reads. Air India Plane Crash: According to the report, while the DGCA was allocated ₹30 crore for the financial year 2025-26, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) got ₹20 crore, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) received only ₹15 crore According to the report, while the DGCA was allocated ₹ 30 crore for the financial year 2025-26, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) got ₹ 20 crore, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) received only ₹ 15 crore. The AAIB is probing the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash. 'In contrast, the BCAS and AAIB receive ₹ 15 Crore and ₹ 20 Crore, respectively. While regulatory compliance remains essential, the rapid expansion of aviation infrastructure, with airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 147 in 2022 and a target of 220 by 2024-25, necessitates proportional growth of security capabilities and accident investigation resources. In view of the growing complexity of aviation security threats and the critical nature of accident investigations, the Committee finds these allocations relatively modest,' the report reads. The 32-member standing committee, headed by Janata Dal United MP Sanjay Jha, presented its report in the Rajya Sabha on 25 March 2025. Apart from Jha (Chairman), the other members of the panel included M Mohamed Abdulla, M Nadimul Haque, Jaggesh, Sudha Murty, Imran Pratapgarhi from the Rajya Sabha and Mina Altaf Ahmad, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Manoj Tiwari, and KC Venugopal from the Lok Sabha, to name a few. The report said the 'funding discrepancy' raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel recommended that aviation regulatory bodies adopt performance-based budgeting, linking allocations to specific performance indicators and outcomes. 'This approach would enhance accountability and ensure that funds are utilised efficiently to address the most pressing challenges within each domain. Regular performance audits should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of allocated resources and inform future budgeting decisions," it said. Air India Plane Crash: The report said the 'funding discrepancy' raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The discrepancy raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel, as reported by LiveMint earlier, also raised serious concerns over the limited manpower in the DGCA, BCAS, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Mint
11 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Air India Plane Crash: Parliament panel had flagged 'discrepancy' in aviation funding, months before Ahmedabad tragedy
Air India Plane Crash: A parliamentary standing committee report flagged a 'distinct imbalance' and 'discrepancy' in the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies in March, about three months before the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The panel observed that the discrepancy raised important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel recommended the adoption of performance-based budgeting for aviation regulatory bodies, linking allocations to specific performance indicators and outcomes. 'The Committee observes that the Capital Outlay for BE 2025 distinct imbalance in the allocation of funds across key aviation bodies. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), entrusted with regulatory oversight, commands the largest share of ₹ 30 Crore, nearly half of the total budget,' reads the report by the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture. Air India Plane Crash: The 32-member standing committee, headed by Janata Dal United MP Sanjay Jha, presented its report in the Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2025. The London-bound Air India flight AI-171 carrying 242 passengers and crew members crashed in Ahmedabad on 12 June. All but one on board the plane died along with nearly 29 on the ground when the aircraft smashed into a medical complex. 'While its role in ensuring compliance with aviation standards is indisputable, the justification for such a significant allocation must be carefully examined to ensure efficiency and accountability,' the report reads. Air Indai Plane Crash: According to the report, while the DGCA was allocated ₹ 30 crore for the financial year 2025-26, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) got ₹ 20 crore, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) received only ₹ 15 crore According to the report, while the DGCA was allocated ₹ 30 crore for the financial year 2025-26, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) got ₹ 20 crore, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) received only ₹ 15 crore. The AAIB is probing the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash. 'In contrast, the BCAS and AAIB receive ₹ 15 Crore and ₹ 20 Crore, respectively. While regulatory compliance remains essential, the rapid expansion of aviation infrastructure – with airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 147 in 2022 and a target of 220 by 2024-25 – necessitates proportional growth of security capabilities and accident investigation resources. In view of the growing complexity of aviation security threats and the critical nature of accident investigations, the Committee finds these allocations relatively modest," the report reads. The 32-member standing committee, headed by Janata Dal United MP Sanjay Jha, presented its report in the Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2025. Apart from Jha (Chairman), the other members of the panel included M Mohamed Abdulla, M Nadimul Haque, Jaggesh, Sudha Murty, Imran Pratapgarhi from the Rajya Sabha and Mina Altaf Ahmad, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Manoj Tiwari, KC Venugopal from the Lok Sabha to name a few. The report said the 'funding discrepancy' raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel recommended that aviation regulatory bodies adopt performance-based budgeting, linking allocations to specific performance indicators and outcomes. 'This approach would enhance accountability and ensure that funds are utilised efficiently to address the most pressing challenges within each domain. Regular performance audits should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of allocated resources and inform future budgeting decisions," it said. Air India Plane Crash: The report said the 'funding discrepancy' raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The discrepancy raises important questions about prioritising regulatory compliance over security infrastructure and accident investigation capabilities. The panel, as reported by LiveMint earlier, also raised serious concerns over the limited manpower in the DGCA, BCAS, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). More than 53 per cent of positions are vacant in the DGCA, 35 per cent in the BCAS, and 17 per cent in the AAI, which manages airport infrastructure, according to the 375th report on Demands for Grants (2025–26) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
US President's behaviour show he is mentally unstable: Manoj Kumar Jha after Trump meets Pak Army chief
New Delhi: Following a rare meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Rajya Sabha member Manoj Kumar Jha on Thursday questioned Trump's mental state, calling him 'mentally unstable.' Speaking to IANS, Manoj Kumar Jha said: "I don't want to go into too much detail, but through his behaviour, it seems that the US President is mentally unstable and cannot even think clearly on ideological matters. I am also concerned on a deeper level. On Wednesday, our Ministry of External Affairs gave a briefing on a video, and again, Trump issued another statement on his involvement in mediation between India and Pakistan. I think he's obsessed with this." Jha called for a special session of Parliament in response to Trump's comments. "All MPs should come together and send a clear message to Trump: this is none of your business. We have never accepted mediation—neither in the past, the present, nor will we in the future." Referring to Pakistan's recent praise for leaders like Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the US President, Jha questioned the irony. "They are calling for a Nobel Prize for Shehbaz and Trump. Leaders like (North Korea's) Kim Jong Un and (Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu are being projected as peacemakers. Look at what kind of peace they are bringing—in Iran, in Gaza. The geopolitical situation is becoming more complex, and that's why I believe it's time we reboot our foreign policy," he said. Jha also responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Bihar's Siwan, where he is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth Rs 9,519 crore on June 20. He is also expected to address a public rally. "He is the Prime Minister, so naturally he will visit, especially with elections approaching. He'll showcase traditional symbols like the 'gamcha' and 'litti chokha'. But what's more important are the real challenges Bihar is facing—unemployment, poor social security, and deteriorating health facilities," he said. "PM Modi didn't say a word about the gunfire incident during his roadshow on Boring Road. These are the issues he must address in Siwan." This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Bihar this year, with the state Assembly elections scheduled for October-November. The administration remains on high alert ahead of his arrival.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Beat the Heat for rupees 29: Eastern Railway to Launch Budget Air-Conditioned Suburban Train Service
(Written by Debasmita Chowdhury) The Eastern Railway zone is running trials for air-conditioned suburban train services which officials said will be offered at significantly low fares. It has received its first AC EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) train manufactured at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai, which has been deployed to the Sealdah Division for testing and trial runs. A second AC EMU rake is expected to arrive shortly at the Eastern Railway Jurisdiction. Officials say that the inaugural service, which is to be operated on the Sealdah-Ranaghat route once the trials are concluded, will offer competitive fares of Rs 29 for journeys up to 10 km and Rs 37 for distances of 11-15 km. Monthly season tickets are priced at Rs 590 and Rs 780 respectively. Dr Uday Shankar Jha, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Eastern Railway, said, 'It is a matter of great pride that the eastern part of the country, Eastern Railway, is taking the lead to introduce ACAMU services.' He stated that the air-conditioned coaches would provide relief from 'extreme heat, extreme rush, and so many other related discomforts' that suburban passengers currently face. Jha also said, 'Initially, it is believed that AC travel will be very costly, but Indian Railways has introduced a fair scheme which is much more competitive and in comparison to roadways, it is almost 10 times cheaper'. The 12-coach trains will feature stainless steel construction with end-to-end connectivity through sealed vestibule gangways, allowing free movement between compartments. Each coach has four electrically operated sliding doors per side controlled by drivers, three-seater stainless steel seats, and enhanced air circulation systems for approximately 1,100 passengers. Additional amenities include CCTV surveillance, wear-resistant rubber flooring, aluminium extruded modular luggage racks, GPS-based passenger information displays, and large double-sealed windows to enhance the comfort of the passengers. 'Passengers will be able to commute from their home to their office in a pleasant condition and even carry out office work during travel due to better seating and air circulation, hence getting a double benefit,' said Jha. Eastern Railway officials indicate that the service will meet growing suburban passenger demands while modernising rail travel in the Kolkata metropolitan area at a very affordable price. Commercial operations will begin after completion of the current testing and trial runs.
Canada Standard
2 days ago
- Politics
- Canada Standard
"Domestic headline management should not be priority": RJD's Manoj Jha on Trump-Modi talks
New Delhi [India], June 18 (ANI): Questioning whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to US President Donald Trump that India never accepted and will never accept mediation on the issues with Pakistan, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha said on Wednesday said that there is a need to have a unified voice of the country by calling for a special Parliament session instead prioritising 'domestic headline management.' 'I would trust my Prime Minister. But things have gone much further now. Donald Trump has made 14-15 statements. On one side, FS Misri released a video statement, and on the other side, I am watching the White House briefing. There is a lack of coordination between the two,' Jha told ANI. Reiterating the demand for calling a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor and the hostilities by Pakistan, Jha urged that it is important to make sure that a unified voice is sent to the American President. 'That is why we say again and again that a special session of Parliament should be called. You may or may not be in power tomorrow, but one voice of the country should be communicated to the American President. He uses 'hyphenation' for India and Pakistan. We are not meant for that, historically and in contemporary times,' he said. Calling for the Centre to make clear India's position on Pakistan to the US, Jha added, 'Our position has been non-negotiable over a lot of things. I think such an exercise is needed on a global level; just domestic headline management should not be our priority.' Meanwhile, Congress leader Rizwan Arshad also questioned India's foreign policy efforts, saying that despite the talks and India attending the G7 summit, Pakistan is still seen as an 'exemplary partner' by the US. 'The PM has gone (to attend the G7 Summit). The issue is not about attending, but what are we getting for our country? When Pakistan is declared as an exemplary partner by the US, then what does that mean?' the Congress leader said. Saying that the PM should have urged G7 countries to isolate Pakistan, he added, 'When Pakistan, a terrorist nation, gets to become the Vice Chairperson in the UN Anti Terrorist Committee, what is the message we are giving? That means the PM and our foreign policy have failed. At the G7, the PM has to prevail upon the G7 countries to isolate Pakistan and treat it as a terrorist nation. Otherwise, there is no point in attending it.' Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Vikram Misri said, 'Prime Minister Modi made it clear to President Trump that during this entire episode, at no time, at any level, were issues such as India-US trade deal or mediation by the US between India and Pakistan discussed. The halt to military action was discussed directly between India and Pakistan, through existing channels of the two armies, and was at the request of Pakistan.' The remarks come after the US President had time and again claimed that he had used trade as a means for the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, with India repeatedly denying the claims. Misri informed that US President Trump understood the points made in detail by the Prime Minister and expressed support for India's fight against terrorism. The telephonic conversation between the leaders was held on the sidelines of the G7 summit, which PM Modi attended on the invitation of Canadian PM Mark Carney. After he visited Canada, PM Modi emplaned for Croatia to start the last leg of his three-nation tour. (ANI)
