Dismay in RS over airlines charging more from Leh passengers

Raising the matter during Zero Hour, members cutting across party lines said the government should ask private airlines to ferry passengers from Leh at the earlier rates and wanted Air India to operate more flights.

The entire House supported senior Congress member Karan Singh in seeking relaxation of MPLAD rules so that members could utilise their funds for rehabilitation in Leh, hit by flash floods.

Singh said he would like to contribute Rs 50 lakh from his MPLAD fund tomorrow itself, if rules permit and pointed out that similar relaxation was given during the tsunami tragedy.
As per rules of the MPLAD scheme, a Rajya Sabha MP can recommend works in one or more districts in the state from where he/she has been elected. However, in case of a tragedy, declared as national calamity, the rules are relaxed and any member can contribute.

Decrying the reports of "making profit from the tragedy", Prakash Javadekar (BJP) said in the last four days, private airlines have increased fares by four times.

He said several tourists are not able to operate their ATM or credit cards and are stranded in Leh. Airlines should ferry them and charge them later when they reach their destination.

Rajeev Shukla (Cong) said the government should come out with a statement on the tragedy and airlines be asked to operate more flights.

Former Union Minister Saifuddin Soz (Cong) said BSNL should immediately restore the communication lines and special flights be operated for at least 15 days.

Earlier, Chairman Hamid Ansari read out a condolence message on the tragedy caused due to flash floods triggered by a cloudburst in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir last week. Members then stood in silence in the memory of the victims.