Draft legislation on aviation authority to be taken up by Union Cabinet

18 Nov 2011 Evaluate

A draft bill, which seeks to create a powerful Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for better regulations of the aviation sector, is in a final stage of getting official approval. The proposed bill is currently examined by the Law Ministry. After this it will be taken up by the Union Cabinet for approval before it is placed in parliament.

The functions and power of the proposed CAA is based mainly on the British model, which would replace the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It will perform all the responsibilities of DGCA such as air safety, airspace regulation, setting aviation standards, licensing of airlines, pilots, air traffic controllers and consumer protection.

Additionally, the CAA would have financial and administrative autonomy to take quick decisions on issues relating to a range of activities i.e. from regulation of air services and licensing to ensure financial fitness of airlines.

The CAA would come up at a time when the total aircraft fleet in India is around 440 and it is expected to cross 1,000 in coming few years. Besides, there are around 200 helicopters and private jets. The passenger handling capacity of Indian airports has also increased significantly. In 2005 it was just 66 million, which is increased to 225 million now and it is expected to cross 500 million in coming 10 years.
 
The civil aviation ministry is also suggesting certain economic regulatory functions to the CAA, including airfares and areas like consumer protection, environmental research and consultancy.

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