In a strongly-worded circular to "all concerned" on Saturday last, Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani warned the officials of serious action in case of any violation of his instructions on austerity measures. In 2012, the government had extended a Rs 30,231 crore lifeline to Air India under a turnaround plan stretching over a period of nine years to keep it afloat. However, at places where crew hotels are not available, the officials should be "judicious" in booking a reasonably priced hotel, the Air India top boss said in the circular. To tighten the purse strings further, national carrier Air India has barred its officials from using luxury cabs while travelling within the country and asked them to put up only in crew hotels. "There is also need for all officials to display exemplary conduct and behaviour at all times, any violation of these instructions at any level would be viewed seriously," the Air India CMD said.

Source: dna August 01, 2016 14:08 UTC