Minister Khader opposes centre’s move on M’luru Intl airport privatization

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 01, 2018: DK district minister expressed ire over the Central government’s move to privatise Mangaluru International Airport (MIA). The cabinet recently approved operating, managing and developing six non-metro airports at Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru under Public Private Partnership (PPP).

 

Speaking to media on Nov 30, Friday, he said without considering the views of the Dakshina Kannada people, the Centre has announced privatisation of the airport. The Centre should clearly inform the citizens on the pros and cons of the privatisation process and how the airport will be developed with privatisation.

He said, the state government and Mangaluru City Corporation had spent money for developing roads connecting the airport. “State cabinet is yet to discuss the issue on privatisation of airport. I will speak to DK MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and will urge him to raise the issue in the Parliament Session,” he demanded.

The minister said that the State government will construct 840 two-bedroom houses for Kodagu flood victims. The unit cost of each house is Rs 9.45 lakh.

The construction work will commence on December 7, and Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy is likely to lay the foundation for the work. The government has earmarked additional Rs 32 crore for providing basic infrastructure facilities including roads, water supply and drainage for the houses, he said.

The six-model houses are ready for the listed victims. One of the model house is built by Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation. At least 70 houses can be constructed in one month on the model built by Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation.

The Minister said the government will also pay a rent of Rs 10,000 for those flood victims who lost their houses, till the construction of new houses are completed.