DGCA chief Bharat Bhushan's removal not linked to Kingfisher Airlines' troubles: Ajit Singh

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has said that the removal of E. K. Bharat Bhushan as Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was a "simple administrative decision" and had nothing to with Kingfisher Airlines troubles.

Bhushan's removal "has nothing to do with him - whether he is a good officer, bad officer - or Kingfisher", Ajit Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Bangalore.

He also said DGCA was not conducting any investigation into Kingfisher's affairs.

Ajit Singh said there were no differences among United Progressive Alliance (UPA) partners over removal of Bhushan.

Bhushan was moved out of DGCA last Tuesday, leading to speculation that this had been done as he was getting tough on some airlines' functioning.

Kingfisher Airlines, run by liquor baron Vijay Mallya, has been in turmoil for several months now with delayed payment to staff, government, aviation fuel suppliers.

On Air India pilots strike, Singh repeated the government's assurance that there will not be victimisation if the pilots return to work. Regarding aviation safety, he said there will not be any compromise on this score.

Asked whether DGCA was mulling cancelling Kingfisher Airlines' license in view of its mounting debts leading to safety concerns, Ajit Singh said: "It can only be cancelled with immediate effect if there are issues concerning safety."

The aviation minister said Kingfisher was following the DGCA rules.