Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sep 29: After allegations from a passenger that he was harassed by GoAir staff for speaking in Kannada at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), the Kannada Development Authority has issued a notice to the airline management.
The passenger Balaji Narayana Murthy alleged that 14 passengers arrived 5 minutes late to the check-in counter of GoAir for their 5.45 am flight to Mumbai on Wednesday. They were late as the overnight rain caused traffic jams, and most of them were stuck for over 30 minutes on the Trumpet Flyover to the KIA.
While the 14 passengers approached the manager for alternative tickets, Balaji spoke in Kannada to which he says he was shouted at by GoAir staffer Sandeep.
Balaji alleges that Sandeep told him that he cannot speak Kannada in the airport. He then went on to issue alternative tickets to 13 passengers but left Balaji out and said he will not get a ticket as he was speaking in local language. He was refused a refund as he came beyond stipulated time and was refused a written explanation.
Murthy says he spent Rs 9,000 to buy another ticket for Mumbai. Though he wrote his grievance to GoAir customer care, no one has replied back to him, he adds.
KDA chief S G Siddaramaiah has written to GoAir seeking action against the staff and an explanation before October 10.
Urging originations working in Karnataka to respect the language and culture of the land, he asked GoAir to submit a report explaining the action taken against the staffer concerned.
“We need to communicate that Karnataka does not need organisations that do not respect its language,” S G Siddaramaiah has said in a letter.
He has added that he will be visiting KIA on October 10 to review implementation of Kannada.
GoAir too has responded to the issue and assured it was viewing the issue with seriousness. Communication manager of GoAir, Vaibhav Tiwari said the company would never have any such 'Speak English' rule. "Though people make these kinds of allegations some times when they miss their flights, I believe this is a serious matter. We will look into the issue," he said.