Air India asked to give restructuring plan in 30 days: Patel

Asserting that government support cannot be taken for granted, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel [ Images ] said on Thursday that cash-strapped Air India [ Images ] has been asked to provide a restructuring plan in the next 30 days.

"There is every reason for Air India to respond quickly. The management, the employees, all will have to come out with a proper restructuring plan," he told reporters outside Parliament House.

Patel said government support cannot be taken for granted.

"It cannot be open-ended. However, the government is committed...We want a strong national carrier," he said.

The minister said Air India is appointing SBI [ Get Quote ] Caps for the financial restructuring. He added that the government wanted to know 'what is needed to be implemented in coming weeks and years.'