Ajit Singh sets terms for Air India pilots who want jobs back

Addressing the media on issues facing Air India, Civil Aviation minister Ajit Singh today hit out at the striking pilots, saying if they do not accept the Dharmadhikari report, which is part of Air India turnaround plan, there is no point in their coming back. "Our stand from day one has been, that it has been declared illegal by the high court, they haven't even followed union rules of giving notice of strike. I have said in Parliament their will be no victimisation, but they are not willing," he said.

The minister further announced that Air India is planning to hire pilots from domestic and international markets. The striking pilots would now have to reapply through advertisments if they want to join back, he said. On FDI in aviation, Singh said talks are on with UPA allies. He further announced that there was no consideration to privitaise the ailing national carrier. Meanwhile, the striking pilots staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.