Airport bids: No condition was eased, says Patel

Excerpts from Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel's press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday:

On changing the bid conditions midway:

At one stage, there was only one bidder left. We felt that more players had to be included. Provisions for this were in the bid documents. No condition was lowered.

On AAI employees' job security:

The government wanted the companies to absorb 40 per cent employees after three years. Both GMR and GVK are ready for 60 per cent. About 7 to 8 per cent will retire. The government will keep the rest.

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On the possible workers' strike:

We are not looking at invoking Esma. We have alternate plans ready.

On the impact on AAI's finances:

These companies are paying Rs 150 crore upfront. In addition, we will also share revenue. This is good for the financials of the AAI.

In the future, there will be additional revenue streams too.

On Reliance's protests:

It was a collective decision of the government to examine more bids. It was required for a better deal.

On Sterlite's protests:

They may have offered the government the highest share of revenue for Mumbai, but their bid was not to be opened at this stage, as it was not among the top four, according to the technical evaluation.