Flight academy allowed to continue, admits Patel

New Delhi, Feb 4 (UNI) Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel today said though the steps taken by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) were 'correct', the Ministry had decided to allow the Carver Aviation Academy at Baramati in Maharashtra to continue in view of the pilot aspirants training there.

The Minister was replying to a question whether he had overruled his own department and ordered reinstatement of the operating certificate of the flight school that allegedly rubber-stamped the conversion of foreign pilot's licenses to Indian permits.

''At the same time, we are not condoning any wrong doings and action will be taken,'' he said speaking on the sidelines of the 58th annual function of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India adding that the move involved careers of the aspiring pilots.

Mr Patel said this was done in view of the severe shortage of pilots in the country.

Asked about the treatment meted to North Indians in Mumbai by the members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, Mr Patel was categorical that stern action should be taken against MNS chief Raj Thackeray if it was proved that the violence that erupted in the state was in response to his intemperate remarks against the North Indian community.

UNI MS-SD BJR ht2015