The Monsoon Parliament session, on the 15th of September, passed a bill to improve aviation safety in India.
The new Amended Bill seeks changes in the Aircraft Act, 1934 which regulates manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of civil aircrafts, and licensing of aerodromes.
According to the newly amended and passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020, there would be a hefty fine on violation of new rules. The fine amount would be between Rs. 10 lakhs to Rs. 1 crores.
What are the key features of the newly ameded Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020?
The new Bill seeks to convert three aviation regulatory bodies under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) –Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB,) into statutory bodies, headed by the Director General appointed by the Centre.
DGCA will have safety oversight and regulatory functions as mentioned in the Bill.
BCAS will carry out regulatory activities related to civil aviation security.
AAIB will look into investigative activities for aircraft accidents.
The central government can issue directions to these bodies with respect to their activities in public interest.
In addition, the statutory status of these bodies would be a help to improve aviation safety rank of India by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO.)
Hardeep Singh Puri, the Director General of Civil Aviation Ministry, moved the Amended bill which was passed through a voice vote in Rajya Sabha. Though the Bill was approved by Lok Sabha in March 2020, it got clearance in Rajya Sabha today and now awaits President of India’s approval to become an act.
Stay tuned for further updates.
