No plans to hire private planes for paramilitary forces: Chidambaram

New Delhi, July 8 (ANI): Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has ruled out any plans to engage private domestic airlines to move paramilitary forces across the country. At present, the Indian Air Force provides air support to paramilitary forces.

Replying to a supplementary in the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour, Chidambaram said the Government is considering the outsourcing of air courier services for paramilitary personnel from Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern sectors as a welfare measure.

The Government is also considering hiring private air courier services between Jammu and Srinagar and between Imphal, Agartala, Silchar and Kolkata in the North Eastern sector, Chidambaram added.

Chidambaram however, clarified that it is still at proposal stage.

Chidambaram informed that after approval of the competent authority, an open tender would be conducted in consultation with Air India. (ANI)