According Right to Information (RTI) filed by India Today, Air India has informed that it provides FREE TICKETS to three categories of people despite running with a net debt of more than Rs 60,000 crore.
Despite such a precarious financial situation, Air India has not stopped giving out free tickets to different categories of people.
Answering India Today’s RTI query, Air India said that it offers free air tickets or passes to three categories of passengers:
- I) Bharat Ratna Awardees
- II) Ex-Andaman Freedom Fighter or to Widows of Ex-Andaman Freedom Fighters
- III) Golden Tribute Card Holders (Living members of the Constituent Assembly of India)
Air India, the flag carrier airline of India, has never made a net profit since its merger with Indian Airlines in 2007. In the last financial year itself, Air India lost around Rs 10,000 crore, adding to the government’s desperation to try and push through its disinvestment.
Bharat Ratna Awardees
- As a mark of respect to the esteemed personalities for their highly acclaimed contribution in their respective fields, Air India decided to provide a lifetime free air travel pass to the recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
- Responding to another RTI query by India Today, Airline had informed earlier that the only living Bharat Ratna awardee to avail this facility is Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, who has availed free tickets 21 times.
Ex-Andaman Freedom Fighter or to Widows of Ex-Andaman Freedom Fighters:
- “Free Air Travel service is offered to the surviving ‘Andaman Freedom Fighters’ or to the ‘Widows of Ex-Andaman Freedom Fighters‘ once a year along with a companion on the confirmed basis on all fares available during the period for journey in Economy Class on sector Kolkata to Port Blair (one way or return),” Airline said.
- Surprisingly, this facility or a similar one has not been offered to any other category of freedom fighters. However, the Home Ministry had informed India Today in 2019 that 10,483 freedom fighters get a pension.
Golden Tribute Card Holders (Living members of the Constituent Assembly of India)
- “Air India (erstwhile Indian Airlines) has issued Golden Cards titled ‘Golden Tribute Card’ to all living members of the Constituent Assembly of India on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of India’s Independence,” Airline said.
- According to a report, T.M. Kaliannan, the last surviving member of the Constituent Assembly, died in MAY 2021.
Source: India Today
Also read: How travel restrictions will affect the TOKYO OLYMPICS 2020.
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