By Staff Correspondent
In a significant move to modernize the regulatory framework governing India’s aviation sector, the government has introduced the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 in the Lok Sabha, aiming to replace the archaic Aircraft Act of 1934. This new legislation comes at a pivotal time, as India emerges as one of the fastest growing civil aviation markets globally. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu underscored the necessity of this reform, highlighting the need to eliminate redundancies and ambiguities that have persisted despite 21 amendments over the past 90 years.
The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 is strategically aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, fostering self-reliance within the sector. It introduces crucial provisions for the regulation of aircraft design and manufacturing, thereby enhancing India’s capabilities in aerospace. Additionally, the bill streamlines the process for obtaining essential certifications, such as the Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and Licence, transferring this responsibility from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This shift promises to simplify pilot training and certification, ultimately facilitating a more efficient aviation ecosystem.
Moreover, the proposed legislation empowers the central government to regulate construction activities related to aviation, detain aircraft, and enact emergency orders when required. Such provisions are designed to enhance regulatory flexibility and ensure the safety and security of the aviation sector during exigent circumstances. Minister Naidu asserted that these reforms are intended to create a more conducive environment for business operations, thus significantly improving the ease of doing business within the aviation industry.
Despite the progressive nature of the bill, it has not been without controversy. Some opposition members raised concerns about the Hindi nomenclature of the legislation. However, Naidu reaffirmed that the issues surrounding its naming were previously settled during discussions on other prominent legal reforms, emphasizing the government’s adherence to constitutional guidelines.
As the Minister of Civil Aviation introduced his first bill in Lok Sabha Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, it marked a significant milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global aviation hub. This legislation seeks to modernize aviation laws, streamline operational processes, and enhance the Ease of Doing Business, all while supporting the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The Minister said by aligning our regulatory framework with international standards, we aim to position India at the forefront of the dynamic aviation sector. I extend my gratitude to all who contributed to this endeavour—our dedicated Ministry of Civil Aviation team, stakeholders, and government colleagues. With constructive discussions ahead, I am optimistic about the passage of this bill, which will pave the way for a transformative era in Indian aviation.
The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024 represents a transformative step towards modernizing India’s aviation regulations. By addressing longstanding inefficiencies and aligning domestic practices with international standards, this legislation has the potential to bolster India’s standing as a key player in the global civil aviation market. As the government endeavours to facilitate the growth of this critical sector, the introduction of the Bill marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of self-reliance and economic expansion.
