The Lok Sabha passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, through a voice vote, following a discussion and response from Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu. This new legislation aims to streamline and modernise the regulatory framework governing the aviation sector in Bharat.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Regulation and Control: The Bill addresses various aspects of aviation including the design, manufacture, maintenance, possession, use, operation, sale, export, and import of aircraft. It is designed to eliminate ambiguity and redundancy that arose from multiple amendments to the Aircraft Act of 1934.
Modernisation: Minister Naidu highlighted that the Bill would facilitate the development of new aviation technologies, including seaplanes and helicopters. The new legislation is expected to provide clear definitions and reduce contradictions related to the functioning of internal organisations such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation or DGCA and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security-BCAS.
Historical Context: The 1934 Act had undergone 21 amendments over the years, resulting in significant confusion and inconsistency. The new Bill aims to address these issues by providing a cohesive and updated regulatory framework.
Civil Aviation Sector Highlights
Growth: Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the number of airports in Bharat has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157. Passenger traffic has also seen a significant increase, with domestic passengers rising from 60 million to 153 million and international passengers from 43 million to 66.7 million.
Post-Covid Recovery: Despite a severe impact from the Covid pandemic, the aviation sector has rebounded strongly, surpassing pre-pandemic passenger numbers and becoming the third-largest aviation economy globally.
Airfare Concerns: Addressing concerns about rising airfares, Minister Naidu explained that fare setting is influenced by various dynamic factors and is a market-driven process. The government does not directly control airfare pricing. However, a new online mechanism will be established to address public grievances and monitor fare issues.
Fleet and Infrastructure: The minister discussed the challenges faced by the aviation sector, including grounded aircraft due to engine issues and the exit of some major airlines, which have contributed to fare increases. He reiterated his commitment to making air travel more affordable and improving infrastructure.
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, represents a significant step towards updating and improving Bharat’s aviation regulatory framework, aiming to support the sector’s growth and address current challenges.
