There have been enough pointers since the Budget announcements in February to show that the government's finances are perhaps not in a great shape.

Cash-strapped Air India, which was asking the government for more funds, has reportedly received an equity infusion of Rs 1,000 crore from the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF).

Now, NDA is about to finish the tenure of second round of power, this time with Narendra Modi as prime minister with BJP in full majority. And ideas of Thengadi have a larger acceptablity in this regime than during the Vajpayee's time.

The government is going to announce a turnaround plan (TAP) for debt-ridden Air India that will reportedly include transfer of the national carrier's working capital debt of Rs 30,000 crore and non-core assets to a special purpose vehicle.

The Finance Ministry is drafting a framework for ministries and departments which they would follow while selling non-core assets of CPSEs.

According to the details furnished by the Air India, the Defence Ministry has outstanding bills of Rs 211.17 crore, Cabinet Secretariat and PMO Rs 543.18 crore and External Affairs Ministry Rs 392.33 crore.

Air India is just about managing to stay afloat on the Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA regime in 2012 for a decade.

Airlines have chalked out ambitious plans to grow international business. Their journey is likely to be lengthy and tiring.

Besides, plans are on the anvil for selling the headquarter building of Air India in the national capital as well as various other land assets and buildings of the airline in different parts of the country.

Besides, plans are on the anvil for selling the headquarter building of Air India in the national capital as well as various other land assets and buildings of the airline in different parts of the country.

Qatar Airways, which has been eyeing the fastest-growing Indian aviation market for a while now, is showing interest in buying Air India.

After putting disinvestment of debt-ridden Air India on the back burner, the government is set to infuse Rs 2,100 crore into the loss-making national carrier.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture -- headed by TMC leader Derek O' Brien -- also sought details about funds infused by the government into Air India, which has been making losses for long.