BHARATIYA VAYUYAN VIDHEYAK 2024

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 Context: The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, proposes to transfer the radio communication equipment exam for aviation personnel to the DGCA, aiming to streamline certification and reduce corruption.

 Details

• The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at modernizing and streamlining the aviation regulatory framework in India. It seeks to replace the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934, which has been amended numerous times over the decades.
• This new bill, introduced by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, has significant implications for the aviation sector, particularly concerning the administration of examinations and licensing.

 Key Objectives of the Bill

• Modernization of Regulations:
  • • The bill aims to address the ambiguities and outdated provisions of the Aircraft Act of 1934.
    • It seeks to remove redundancies and adapt the legislation to current aviation industry needs.
• Streamlining Certification Processes:
  • • The bill proposes to consolidate various certifications and licenses under a single authority, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
    • This change will simplify the process of obtaining the necessary qualifications and licenses for aviation personnel.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ●The DGCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation responsible for regulating civil aviation. ●It was established through the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020, its headquarters are located in New Delhi. ●Key functions of DGCA include regulatory and certification responsibilities such as aircraft registration, airport certification, licensing for pilots and other personnel, setting airworthiness standards, and ensuring compliance with international conventions.

Major Changes Proposed

Transfer of Radio Telephone Operator Restricted (RTR) Certification

• Current System: The RTR certification and license are currently managed by the Department of Telecom.
• Proposed Change: The bill proposes transferring the RTR examination and licensing responsibilities to the DGCA.
• Impact: This would allow pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and flight dispatchers to obtain all their required certifications from one authority, reducing administrative complexity.

 Centralization of Examination Centers

• Under the new bill, aspirants for the RTR exam would be able to take the examination at any of the DGCA’s 14 exam centres across India.
• This centralization aims to make the certification process more accessible and streamlined for candidates.

Industry Implications

• Ease of Process:
  • • Centralizing certifications under the DGCA is expected to simplify the process for aviation professionals.
    • It will eliminate the need to navigate multiple regulatory bodies, potentially reducing delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
• Addressing Corruption:
  • • The RTR exam has a reputation for being challenging and allegedly plagued by corruption.
    • By bringing the exam under the DGCA’s purview, the bill aims to tackle issues related to corruption and improve the examination's integrity.

 Controversy and Criticism

• Language Controversy: Many MPs raised concerns about the bill’s name being in Hindi alone. He argued that the Constitution mandates that Bills be presented in English to ensure clarity and accessibility for all Parliament members. He questioned the legislative competence of the Bill and highlighted difficulties for non-Hindi-speaking members.
• Public and Stakeholder Reaction: The proposed changes are generally seen as positive by aspiring pilots and aviation professionals who have struggled with the current system. However, the bill's implementation may face resistance from stakeholders accustomed to the existing regulatory framework and from those opposing the language issue.

 Conclusion

• The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 represents a significant overhaul of India’s aviation regulatory framework. By consolidating certification processes and addressing long-standing issues with the RTR exam, the bill aims to improve efficiency and transparency in the aviation sector. However, the controversy surrounding its language and potential resistance from various stakeholders may influence its passage and implementation. The bill’s success will depend on addressing these concerns while effectively modernizing aviation regulations in India.

 Source:

THE HINDU

WIKIPEDIA

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA): 1. It is a statutory body responsible for regulating civil aviation in India. 2. The DGCA's primary functions include issuing Private Pilot Licenses (PPL), Student Pilot Licenses (SPL), and Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPL). 3. The DGCA's headquarters is located in Hyderabad. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A