BackCabinet approves introduction of Aircraft (Amendment) Bill in Parliament
The Bill enhances the maximum limit of fine from the existing ₹10 lakhs to ₹one croreThe Bill will lead to enhancement in the level of safety and security of aircraft operations in the country, the government said
PremiumThe Cabinet on Wednesday approved the introduction of the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Parliament. The Bill is intended to carry out amendments to the Aircraft Act, 1934 (XXII of 1934).
“The Bill enhances the maximum limit of fine from the existing ₹10 lakhs to ₹one crore. It also enlarges the scope of the Act to include regulation of all areas of air navigation," according to a government press release.
The proposed amendments would fulfill the safety requirements of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This will also enable the three regulatory bodies in the civil aviation sector in India—Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to become more effective, the release said.
“This (the Bill) will lead to enhancement in the level of safety and security of aircraft operations in the country," it added.
According to a PTI report, ICAO, which is the United Nation’s global aviation watchdog, had carried out the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme for India in November 2017 and in February 2018. The audit result showed that the country's score declined to 57.44% from 65.82% earlier, placing India below Pakistan and Nepal.
An ICAO team had visited India in November 2018 as well, and assessed the action taken on issues related to three areas that were audited by the ICAO in November 2015. Those pertained to aerodromes and ground aids, air navigation services (ANS) and aircraft accident and incident investigation.
Currently, India’s score is lower than the world average of 65% on the ICAO’s board.
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