Ministries wrangle over who will foot the bill for airport security

Major differences seem to have surfaced between the ministries of civil aviation, home and finance over who will bear the cost of providing security at airports, with one of them suggesting that the burden should be passed on to the passengers.

The issue may now go to the Prime Minister's office for taking a call as despite the matter having been discussed threadbare today at a meeting attended by top officials of the three ministries no agreement could be reached.

There was no unanimity either on who will foot the Rs 800 crore bill raised by the home ministry for providing CISF security at airports across the country.

While the civil aviation ministry argued that since security is a sovereign function, the money should come from the consolidated fund of the Government of India, the finance ministry is said to have suggested that the burden should be passed on to the air travellers.

The home ministry disagreed with the finance ministry's suggestion, contending it would lead to hike in airfare.

The meeting ended without a consensus being reached and, in all probability, the issue will now go to the PMO for a decision, a source privy to the development said.