No proposal to cut privileges of MPs, VIPs at airports: Govt

New Delhi, Apr 20: Government on Monday said there is no proposal to cut privileges and protocols of VIP passengers and MPs at various airports.

Giving this information in the Lok Sabha, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said some of the facilities being provided to the VIPs and Members of Parliament include providing reserved lounge at domestic and international airports, free access to terminal building and visitors gallery, airport entry pass to personal staff of MPs.

Besides, one airport official is designated as Protocol Officer to ensure that these these facilities/courtesies are provided to MPs, Raju said, adding the protocol is to be followed by all concerned, including private airports and airlines.

Responding to a question whether the government had received complaints regarding non-adherence to the protocol at certain airports and airlines during the last three years, the Minister said there were complaints and these were mainly about non-cooperation, discourtesy and misbehaviour on the part of the airlines staff and security personnel at airports.

"The complaints received by the Members of Parliament by the airports are referred to the concerned airport directors to enquire into the matter and take remedial measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur," the Minister said.

The complaints against the airlines are referred to the Director General of Civil Aviation, who takes up the matter with the concerned airlines with a view to ensure compliance of the protocol arrangements, Raju said.

Action taken on the complaints is also intimated to the concerned MPs, he said, adding suitable instructions are issued from time to time to all concerned so as to ensure that the courtesies are extended to Members of Parliament.

The Minister also said that security arrangements at airports in the country are elaborate, adequate and effective.

PTI