Government has approved subsidized helicopter services in ten sectors of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Home Ministry said, emergency services and common passenger services to the local residents of the State will be provided on priority and at subsidized rates. VIPs, Officers of the State Government on tour, Income tax payers or tourists will not be eligible for subsidized fares. Such persons will have to pay full fare subject to availability of seats. It said, Centre will subsidize only the cost towards actual number of entitled passengers utilizing the helicopter services and no subsidy will be provided for the vacant seats.<br/><br/>The governments of both the states will re-identify or chose and finalize the most critical sectors in their States, with number of flying hours in consultation with Home Ministry based on current justifiable needs. While deciding the sectors for providing the air connectivity, the difference of time between the road travel and air travel may be taken as an important factor. The operator of the services will be selected by open tender process by the State Government. The operation of helicopter services in the State will continue till March, next year.