State inks MoU with Civil Aviation Ministry
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 03 2016: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Government of Manipur and Airports Authority of India for implementation of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) in the State in front of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati at the office chamber of the Chief Minister today.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati arrived here today for a two-day visit to the State and met Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

State inks MoU with Civil Aviation Ministry

The primary objective of the scheme is to facilitate/stimulate regional air connectivity by making it affordable by supporting airline operators through concession by Central Government, State Governments and airport operators on regional routes and financial (Viability Gap Funding or VGF) support to meet the gap, if any, between the cost of airline operations and expected revenues on such routes.

Notably, Ministry of Civil Aviation has released the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016 (NCAP 2016).Two of the key objectives of NCAP, 2016 are to "enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development" and to "establish an integrated eco-system which will lead to significant growth of civil aviation sector, which in turn would promote tourism, increase employment and lead to a balanced regional growth" .

In this regard, Ministry of Civil Aviation has envisaged a Regional Connectivity Scheme for the country.

The MoU was signed by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Joint Secretary, the Commissioner (Transport), Govt.of Manipur and the Chairman, Airports Authority of India.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Transport Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh and Chief Secretary O Nabakishore Singh were also present when the MoU was signed.

A team of the Ministry of Civil Aviation led by Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati arrived at Imphal airport at around 2 pm where the team was warmly welcomed by Education and Transport Minister Kh Ratankumar and BJP Manipur Pradesh president K Bhabananda.

Speaking to media persons on his arrival at Imphal Tulihal International Airport, the Union Civil Aviation Minister while noting that there were many unserved and under-served areas, stated that they were committed to enhance regional connectivity in the North East region.

He stated that the Ministry is looking forward to enhance air connectivity in the region in such a way that it is economically viable.

In order to enhance regional connectivity, the Ministry has formulated schemes which would entail direct involvement of State Governments.

Improving air connectivity will help economic growth, promote tourism, industrial growth and introduction of air cargo service will further boost the region's economy, asserted the Union Civil Aviation Minister.

Rural connectivity is crucial in view of the fact that India is a big country and the Ministry is committed to enhance rural air connectivity to the maximum possible level, he added.