Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, who presented the bill, emphasized its alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance through the regulation of aircraft design and manufacturing.
NEW DELHI: Last Week, the Government introduced the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha, aiming to replace the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934.
As India emerges as one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets globally, this new legislation seeks to eliminate longstanding redundancies and foster a conducive business environment.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, who presented the bill, emphasized its alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance through the regulation of aircraft design and manufacturing.
This bill is the shift in authority for issuing the Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and Licence from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to the aviation regulator, DGCA. This move is expected to streamline the process, previously marred by bureaucratic delays, and is critical for pilot training completion.
The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that addresses the shortcomings of the existing Aircraft Act, which was enacted in 1934. The new bill seeks to align India’s aviation regulatory framework with the evolving needs of the industry and global best practices.
Key Highlights of the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024:
- Regulatory Overhaul: The bill proposes the establishment of a new regulatory body, the Bhartiya Vayuyan Pradhikaran (BVP), to replace the existing Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The BVP will be empowered with more autonomy and decision-making authority, enabling it to respond swiftly to the dynamic needs of the aviation sector.
- Ease of Doing Business: One of the primary objectives of the bill is to enhance the ease of doing business in the aviation sector. It introduces measures to streamline licensing and certification processes, reduce compliance burdens, and facilitate faster approvals for aircraft operations, maintenance, and other aviation-related activities.
- Technological Advancements: The bill recognizes the importance of embracing technological advancements in the aviation industry. It paves the way for the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as drone operations, advanced air mobility, and digital platforms, into the regulatory framework.
- Safety and Security: Enhancing safety and security remains a top priority in the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024. It strengthens the provisions for accident investigations, emergency response, and the enforcement of safety standards, ensuring the highest levels of air travel safety for passengers and crew.
- Environmental Sustainability: The bill incorporates provisions to promote environmental sustainability in the aviation sector. It mandates the adoption of eco-friendly technologies, encourages the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and aligns India’s aviation industry with global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.
- Workforce Development: The bill places a strong emphasis on workforce development, recognizing the importance of a highly skilled and well-trained aviation workforce. It includes measures to foster aviation education, training programs, and the recognition of professional certifications.
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The original Aircraft Act has undergone 21 amendments over nine decades, with stakeholders frequently facing confusion and operational difficulties. Naidu highlighted the necessity of the overhaul, noting that it would address these issues comprehensively, enhance regulatory clarity, and encourage investment in aviation manufacturing and maintenance.
Furthermore, the bill grants the central government enhanced powers to manage airspace more effectively. This includes the authority to prohibit or regulate specific construction activities, issue directives, detain aircraft, and enact emergency orders when required, thus reinforcing safety and compliance in the sector.
However, the bill has not been without controversy. During its introduction, a debate ensued over the Hindi naming of the draft legislation, sparking protests from some opposition members. Naidu defended the choice, citing recent precedents with other legal frameworks and assuring that it does not contravene constitutional provisions.
Opposition from RSP member N K Premachandran highlighted the linguistic challenges, arguing that the nomenclature might alienate non-Hindi speaking regions, particularly in South India.
