In view of surplus domestic sugar output, Union Minister Ajit Singh today shot off a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding export sops and hike in import duty to improve finances of millers.
Maintaining that the entry of Tata-SIA Airlines would benefit the Indian aviation sector, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said SIA was globally known for its expertise in technical and managerial matters and was one of the best airlines in the world.
Finance Minister P Chidambaram has supported Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh's suggestion on doing away with a rule that bars Indian carriers from flying abroad unless they complete five years of service and own a 20-aircraft fleet.
While noting that it is very difficult for the government to run a service industry, Singh also said that employees and the management of Air India will have to understand that aviation is a very competitive market.