Congress veteran from Kerala and minister of overseas Indian affairs Vayalar Ravi — who was given additional charge of the civil aviation ministry on Wednesday — said his priority areas were to make sure that national carrier Air India overcomes the economic crisis in which it is in, apart from making sure that all airlines operate flights
on time so that passengers are not inconvenienced. NCP leader Praful Patel, who was minister of state for civil aviation before the reshuffle, was elevated to the Cabinet and allocated the ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises. Mr Patel had a tenure of six and a half years as minister of state for civil aviation (independent charge).
When asked about the transition from the high-profile civil aviation ministry to the ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises, Mr Patel said in jest, “After the civil aviation ministry, everything else will seem less glamorous.” However, he pointed out that it was important to move on to heading other ministries as well because of the varied experience that such an assignment would bring. Due to the high-profile nature of the civil aviation Ministry, Mr Patel was constantly in the limelight in the past few years but this may no longer be so, given that his new ministry is not considered very high-profile.
Mr Ravi, 73, an experienced Congress veteran and Union Cabinet minister, told this newspaper, “I will focus on two areas as a priority. I will focus on customer service to passengers and airlines should operate flights on time. I also want Air India to overcome its financial crisis. I will meet the employees of Air India and appeal to the workers of the national carrier to help me find a solution to the problems faced by the airline.”
Expressing happiness at being given the additional charge, Mr Ravi said, “I’m grateful to the Prime Minister and the Congress President for placing so much of confidence in me.”