Jammu, Mar 15: The state government has submitted a proposal to the ministry of home affairs for provision of subsidy for operating helicopter services on wet lease basis as has been done in case of some states in the North East where the ministry reimburses 75 per cent of the cost of operations.
 “The proposal is under consideration in the Ministry of Home Affairs,” said Minister for Finance, A R Rather in reply to a Calling Attention Notice of Abdul Haq Khan in Assembly today.
 He said Indian Air Force helicopters were arranged through Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir for evacuation of serious patients.
 He said that Ministry of Defence has allotted 200 tonnes of load for Rotary Wing (Helicopter) for the year 2009-10 which stands exhausted.
 He said a request has already been made to Ministry of Defence, for release of additional tonnage. As and when additional tonnage is authorized by the Ministry of Defence, airlifting of stranded people shall be undertaken, the Minister added.
  However, in the event of emergencies and for airlifting of critically ill patients, request will be made to Indian Air Force at Udhampur to provide helicopter. In the event of non-availability, State Helicopter will be pressed into service, Rather added.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST