<span style="color: #222222;">Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia has called for cooperation and support of all stakeholders, particularly States and Union Territories, in strengthening the Civil Aviation sector. Addressing the Conference of the Ministers of Civil Aviation from States and UTs in New Delhi on Friday, Mr. Scindia said that the sector contributes significantly to the economic development of the country, but is probably the worst sufferer due to pandemic. He said that with the collective efforts, we can work for providing better passenger facilities and strive for the sector's expansion and decentralization. The Union Minister also assured the States and UTs of full support from the Centre. He said that the government does not work in silos and the Whole-of-the-Government Approach has helped the Ministry tackle the COVID-19 effectively and convert the crisis into an opportunity. He informed the government has set up nine Advisory Groups, covering a wide array of sub-sectors like Airlines, Airports, Flying Training Schools, Cargos, Ground handlers, Aircraft manufacturing, and their meetings have been yielding good results.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"><br />'' Mr. Scindia also appealed to the States and UTs to bring down VAT on aviation fuel as it contributes majorly to the operational cost of the flights. He thanked a number of them who have drastically cut the rates, saying that they have gained larger air traffic movement within a short period of the reduction. He said that the sector has large cost-benefit ratio and also huge employment potential. Mr. Scindia also called upon them to facilitate new airports by swiftly handling the land allotment issues. He said that the Ministry will be doubling the Airports and taking the number to over 200  by the year 2023-24. The Minister emphasised on setting up at least one heliport in each district in collaboration with States and UTs. On the issue of seaplanes, the Minister said that the states should provide capital support for this initiative.<br />''<br />''Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retired ) also addressed the inaugural session. A booklet 'Access: the Photo Digest-Demystifying accessibility in civil Aviation' was released, with the aim of creating awareness about accessibility needs and corresponding travel related facilities for Divyangjans. </span>