An interview with the Principal Secretary, Mrs. Mira Mehrishi threw open the floodgates of hope and energy in Aviation in Rajasthan. She was friendly, purposeful and straight. Never before did somebody speak “other than flying VIPs in Rajasthan” she did. Few excerpts:

 

Rajasthan attracts largest number of foreign tourists .Out of the 25 Airstrips in the state 14 belong to state government. We propose to lease out these Airstrips to Private Flying Schools for imparting flying training. A notification would be issued shortly inviting Expression of Interest from eligible existing flying clubs.

 

A brand new Airport is being planned 30 K.M away from Kota Airfield on the Jhalawar road so that bigger aircraft could land. At present Metrological survey is on collecting data related with wind directions and in few years the Airport should be ready.

 

Air Corporation of Rajasthan is on the anvil and it is matter of days before the corporation would commence its commercial operations.  We are just waiting receipt of the Non- schedule operator permit (NSOP) from Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This would basically run on commercial basis and fulfill the long desired need of regional transportation and tourists charters. Principal Secretary GAD and Secretary Finance are on the Board of Directors. Selection and positioning of Managing Director, would take place soon.

 

My dream for Aviation is that more and more flights operate out of Rajasthan and Jaipur and other cities are directly linked to Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, Hyderbad, Calcutta etc directly. The State Air Corporation should become a successful enterprise enabling its expansion.

 

Jaselmer is being opened soon and Rajasthan State government is investing in upgrading the present passenger terminal building. The State Govt. would be more than happy to welcome Airline operators starting services to as many stations as possible from Rajasthan and in Rajasthan.

 

We have already declared incentives regarding sales tax in Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for the operators who make their hub at Jaipur and depending on the number of aircraft commencing flights from Jaipur a further reduction can be considered.

 

I spend my spare time in reading newspapers, magazines and watching TV. My favorite holiday destination is Maldives and my favorite food is fish and chips.

 

 

Mrs.Mira Mehrishi is an IAS Officer from the 1979 batch who had joined the Rajasthan Cadre. She is the Principal Secretary to the Government Of Rajasthan in Tourism and Civil Aviation.