Airports’ dues to CISF swell 39% in a year.

New Delhi:-
Airports owe Rs 735.3 crore to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the paramilitary force that guards them, with Delhi International Airport (DIAL) accounting for close to 90% of the total.

Arrears from 59 airports across the country have swelled 39% in the past one year, which has prompted CISF director-general OP Singh to write to aviation secretary RN Choubey to get the outstanding amount cleared.

“Out of the total pending dues of Rs 735.33 crore, an amount of Rs 655.40 crore relates to DIAL alone,” the letter wrote in June read. Singh urged the secretary to instruct the Airport Authority of India and private airport operators to clear the arrears.

The escalating arrears is a matter of grave concern. It has attracted adverse comments from statutory bodies including the Comptroller and Auditor General and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, the letter said.

DIAL, which runs Delhi’s airport, said the passenger services fee it collects is not enough to meet the security cost at its airport. “As per the state support agreement signed over 10 years ago, we are authorised to collect Rs 130 per passenger to reimburse salaries paid to CISF personnel manning our airport. However, after the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission came into force, average salary shot up by 100% or more,” DIAL said in the emailed response to ET’s queries.

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