Giving a clear message to ailing Indian carriers, Government today asked national carrier Air

RELATED ARTICLES AI may hire new pilots if pilots don't end strike soon: Ajit Petrol hike: Govt to watch situation before any rollback Air India strike: Ajit Singh meets pilots to end impasse Petrol price hike: Delhi govt may provide relief to people Govt may soon take decision on FDI in aviation, retail

India to pull up its socks and become competitive as it "cannot keep on pouring money" and told private carriers that there would be no bailout for them.

"Government is not in a position and will not bail out any private airlines. Air India is a public sector unit, so government has an obligation. But Air India will have to become competitive and restructure their costs... As the government cannot keep on pouring money," Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh told reporters here.

The Minister said yesterday that there was "some hitch" in Air India's restructuring plan by SBI Caps, raised by the banks. This would be resolved jointly by Civil Aviation Secretary and Finance Secretary, he said.

After laying the foundation stone for a new ATC tower at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here, Singh said a Group of Ministers (GoM) will soon meet to decide on allowing foreign airlines pick up stakes in the Indian carriers.

"Finally, the Cabinet will take the decision. The Committee of Secretaries has already recommended raising the FDI limits in the sector," he said.

His comments came in the wake of reports that government was exploring options to allow foreign airlines pick up equity in Indian carriers.

Asked about demands by private airlines for a bailout package, he said they will have to come up with a viable business plan.

"If the banks are satisfied with their plans and think they can recover their money then they will lend money", he said, adding that the banks would have to go by the RBI norms.