PM Modi Says Rules Should Ease Citizens’ Lives, Not Create Hardship Amid IndiGo Crisis

In the wake of widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged lawmakers to ensure that government rules and regulations do not cause undue hardship to citizens. Speaking at a meeting with his alliance MPs, he emphasized that laws should be crafted and enforced to facilitate ease of living — not to burden ordinary people.

According to officials present, the PM stressed that in a democracy, rules must “correct the system” rather than become instruments that harass or inconvenience citizens. His comments come at a time when hundreds of flights by India’s largest private carrier have been cancelled or delayed, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across major airports.

The crisis began after new crew rest and duty regulations — introduced to improve flight safety — came into effect, and IndiGo reportedly failed to adjust its scheduling and staffing plans accordingly. As cancellations mounted, frustration grew among travellers and public outcry intensified.

Civil-aviation authorities have moved swiftly: the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed the airline to cut its winter schedule by 5%, while deferred refunds and baggage deliveries have been ordered to be processed without delay. The government has also initiated oversight measures to ensure that passenger inconvenience is minimised and airline accountability upheld.

PM Modi’s remarks underline a broader intent: regulatory frameworks should be responsive and citizen-centric, especially in sectors that directly impact everyday lives — such as transport and travel. The message comes as part of what the government describes as its “reform-oriented” agenda, aimed at simplifying bureaucracy and making governance more accessible.

For many travellers caught up in the chaos, and for the aviation sector broadly, the Prime Minister’s statements mark a signal — one that suggests future reforms will be weighed carefully for their impact on the public. If translated into robust policy changes, the episode could reshape how regulations are framed and enforced across essential services.