Air India (AI) has begun the process of pruning the size of its workforce in preparation for the state-owned airline’s planned privatisation and approved a leave-without-pay scheme for select staff for six months to two years, extendable up to five years.
In an order dated July 14, AI’s CMD has been authorised to implement the scheme, with departmental heads and regional managers directed to identify employees by August 15.
Shortlisting names
Employees will be shortlisted on the basis of seven factors, that include suitability, efficiency, competence, quality of performance, health and redundancy. The decision was taken by AI’s board on July 7 and notified on Tuesday.
The government has already offered to divest its entire stake in AI and its low-cost international arm, Air India Express, along with the airline’s engineering arm, Air India Air Transport Services Ltd. (AIATSL).
The last date for inviting expressions of interest from interested parties was extended till August 31.
The total number of permanent employees of the three entities stands at 9,617 while there are almost 19,000 contractual employees. The vast workforce was identified as among Air India’s key liabilities, which also include the debt of more than ₹50,000 crore.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
To get full access, please subscribe.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Show Less Plan
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
