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The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken a significant step towards modernizing its civil aviation sector by introducing the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, in the Lok Sabha. This proposed legislation aims to replace the archaic Aircraft Act of 1934, which has served as the backbone of India's aviation regulations for almost a century. The new bill seeks to address the complexities and ambiguities that have arisen from numerous amendments made to the 1934 Act over the years. The government's intention is to streamline the regulatory framework, facilitate ease of doing business, and promote self-reliance in the aviation industry under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, outlines a comprehensive approach to regulating the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of aircraft within India. It empowers the Central government with enhanced authority to oversee construction activities, issue directives, detain aircraft, and enact emergency orders when deemed necessary. These provisions are aimed at bolstering aviation safety and security standards within the country. The proposed bill also emphasizes the importance of adhering to international aviation standards, particularly those established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The introduction of the bill has not been without its critics. Opposition members have raised concerns regarding the Hindi nomenclature of the legislation, arguing that it could create difficulties for individuals from South India. The government, however, has defended its decision, stating that it is aligned with the broader effort to promote Hindi language and culture. The bill itself encompasses 10 key objectives, including fostering self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing, enhancing aviation safety, promoting competitiveness within the aviation sector, and streamlining regulatory processes. Experts in the aviation industry have expressed mixed views on the bill's potential impact.
Source: Ram Mohan Naidu tables Aviation bill to replace British-era Act in Lok Sabha