Airports India

The state of the affairs is simply unacceptable, I am totally convinced. As I walked into the Mumbai airport's international hanger run by Air India last year, I was embrassed to be an Indian. The sleazy, greedy eyed airport officials, in faded blue unclean uniforms were bugging foreigners, desis (especially ladies travelling alone) to "hire" their services in order to get some excess baggage through, or jump a queue. In other words, they were offering illegal services, and the police didnt seem to give a rat's behind. Then there were other idiot officials pretending to give unwanted help to foreigners and begging for tips in return. It was so disgusting that I was ashamed of being an Indian. This has to stop, and that is for sure.

The ideal way would have been for the Aiports Authority of India (AAI) to strap their shoes and get rid of this nuisance already. But seeing as they have not been able to curb it, the only other way is to get a profit motivated private firm in charge in order to clean up the bull that's lying around and get affairs in order.

So, the next time you see a demonstration of indian airport workers opposing privatization, dont't fool yourself in thinking that every single one of them is an honest to heart worker who only cares about the community and the poor. Half the place is full of sleazy, corrupt baabus who need a kick on their lazy buttocks to clear their heads. People that we Indians have been so accustomed to around in other state run offices.

Privatization will surely mean a few job cuts in order to INCREASE efficiency at airports, which are already seriously over-manned with officials standing around looking like dumb lamposts all day and biding their time by resorting to corruption. But if the result is a fresh, clean, and efficient airport, which is not only a bliss for the desi traveller but a great first impression on the foreign visitor; then its worth it!

Its a growing economy anyway, if you have the skills you will find a job.