Please pay airfare for the evacuation!

 Jayesh Rane

(jayeshsrane1@gmail.com)

Considering the warlike situation in Israel, the Government of India has started to implement ‘Operation Ajay’. Under that, the first ‘Air India’ plane carrying Indian citizens arrived in the capital on October 13 morning. Air travel is free under Operation Ajay. Eighteen thousand Indian citizens in Israel will be brought to India.

A state of emergency has arisen in the country. At such a time in that country, the main areas like banks, markets, etc. are hit. Because of this, it’s difficult to get essential things. At such a time, the only thought in the head is to go home safely as soon as possible. Indian citizens should not have problems due to money at such a time. The government tries to save their lives first and bring them back home safely. This is the right thing to do. Any coalition government in power at the centre has to do the same. India brought around twenty thousand Indians during the Russia-Ukraine war, free of charge. For this, ‘Operation Ganga’ was implemented. India had launched ‘Operation Kaveri’ in March 2023 to rescue the countrymen from Sudan, where the armed conflict was raging between the army and paramilitary forces. India brought back its nationals from Sudan by Indian ships and planes, too, for free.

Such operations use the tax money of the people of the country. Although this is the main point, it needs a permanent solution. Otherwise, India cannot afford such expenses. Money is required for the implementation of public projects or development. Many times, people have to wait a long time to get new facilities. People are used to hearing that ‘now that there is no fund, the work can be started when it comes’. But the habit of passing the day on and being satisfied with that has also become a habit. How much money will be spent for the ongoing ‘Operation Ajay’? The government must have an idea of this. Such operations should not affect government programs. How much delay will there be in getting the necessary funds for schemes? And how long will people have to wait for the facilities? This is also a serious question. Moreover, will the relief that was given for domestic gas cylinder charges remain the same? Such a question is bothering people.

Those evacuated should pay the air charges by asking the government where to deposit money. They can deposit money into the accounts of social welfare and military welfare departments. That would be true gratitude. The government will never say not to pay travel charges. But we should understand the condition of our country and come forward to fill it on our own when we come to India. Although India is progressing rapidly, the Indian economy is not capable enough to meet this free formula. Therefore, there should be a broad consideration in terms of not causing financial loss to the country due to me. Just coming to India does not complete the subject. So I should not hesitate to pay the debt of free air travel on my head.

The class going abroad for jobs, education, etc. is large. We bear travel and other expenses incurred while going abroad for education. The travel expenses of those sent by companies for jobs are borne by the company. It’s not like nobody knows the mathematics of air travel costs. To think like that is basically illogical. Whether it is a job or education abroad, the purpose of both is the same. That means earning in foreign currency without earning in rupees. God is remembered only in times of trouble. At times of happiness, he is not remembered. In the same way, those who are abroad remember their motherland during the crisis. Why not think so? These people only think about themselves. The reason for saying this is that this country is facing an emergency. From there, they used to leave and reach their homeland at no cost. When a talented person does not get a decent salary in their home country or there is no possibility of it, he goes abroad. In fact, keeping the aim of reaching abroad, he used to continue that way from earlier. Everything is done for financial purposes.

Indian citizens live in various countries around the world. They should also think about ‘with whom the country in which we are living has a dispute or which country is in a position to attack them at any time’. Considering this, how safe is it to live in such a country? And what is the guarantee of what will happen if we stick to it despite the perception of a dire local situation?

Is the world heading for a third world war? This question needs to be carefully considered. Different countries are fighting each other. Even if international conferences and meetings are held to keep them together, it’s of no use. Global thinking at the international level and local thinking for neighbouring countries are two different ideologies. These are different ends. As this is the case, it is always preferred to be arbitrary. If we remain calm, then our existence is in jeopardy, and the fear of disappearing from the world map continues to haunt us. Instead of being under constant stress, attack and give way to anger. And don’t think about who is saying what. This is the current picture. The thought of calling for a solution through meetings won’t work. But then the countries concerned are putting forth their thoughts to know their thoughts towards the countries facing the war. This is especially due to the edge of trade relations.

Enemy countries are connected for the sake of trade. But once the war is started, everything goes in vain instantly, and everyone sets out to destroy each other. This is happening internationally today. Although everything seems calm on the surface, there is a lot of commotion inside. At such a time, a cunning country like China does not actually participate in the war anywhere. He prefers to stay calm by calling for peace.

How much in rupees or dollars is the air ticket to India from where I am abroad? Those concerned have an idea of this. Considering the fragile situation at the international level, it is uncertain which countries will flare up. Therefore, the Government of India should positively think about requesting that those who are abroad deposit the air travel charge from that country to India. So that it will be used to bring them from that country during an emergency. In the absence of an emergency situation, if the Indian citizen returns to his home country as usual, the facility should be provided to use the accumulated charge. When he goes back abroad, he should deposit the necessary repatriation charge (returning money) with the government. The government of India should implement a separate mechanism for depositing travel charges. Even if the government changes, that system should not change. This will not disrupt the current economic cycle anywhere, and the issue of free air travel will go away.