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 said on Thursday that cash-strapped Air India 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 Caps for the financial restructuring. He added that the government wanted to know 'what is needed to be implemented in coming weeks and years.'