The state owned Air India is taking tough decisions relating to human resource practices before the privatization of the national carrier. It has asked various departments to identify the employees not available for duties.

R.S. Sandhu, Executive Director (Operations) has asked all departments to identify such employees. "You are advised to identify the serving employees (permanent/contract) of your base (Pilots/Officers/Staff), who are not available for duties for the following reasons-long sickness, indiscipline, unauthorized absence and any other reason".

"The action taken against such employees may be duly notified to this office, positively by July 17", the directive said, which was reviewed by IANS.

Air India is in the process of reducing employee strength before privatization. The last date for bidding for Air India is August 31.

Air India has instituted a scheme whereby employees can opt to take ‘leave without pay ranging from six months to up to five years.

Additionally, the airline's management will also have the option to send any employee on leave.

An Air India staff notice, which was reviewed by IANS, read: "The Board of Directors in its 102nd meeting held on July 7, 2020 has approved a scheme whereby employees can opt to take ‘leave without pay' ranging from six months or for two years and the same can be extended to up to five years..