Aviation regulator DGCA to soon get powers to impose fines

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body for civil aviation and aviation security agency, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) are all set to get powers to impose fines on violators, as the government is preparing to amend the legislation in this regard. The government is mulling to amend the Aircraft Act, 1934 and it is likely to be taken up during the winter session of Parliament starting next month.

This move will give more scope to the DGCA and BCAS in dealing with instances of violations amid the domestic sector witnessing over 20 percent sustained growth in passenger traffic. As of now, there is no provision for levying penalties. Though, there are stringent provisions in place for DGCA to deal with violations at various levels, including those related to airlines, pilots, crew members and other entities. The regulator can debar, suspend and even cancel the permission to fly for the carriers as well as individual pilots and engineers but cannot impose any monetary penalty. The powers of BCAS which primarily has the mandate to ensure security at airports would also be strengthened with new provisions.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has already floated the draft amendments to Aircraft Act. In the draft Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2016, the ministry has also proposed various other changes such as increasing the quantum of fine that can be imposed under this law to up to Rs 1 crore from existing level of Rs 10 lakh. Among others, a new sub-section is proposed to be included stating that DGCA or any other officers specially empowered by the central government shall perform the safety oversight functions in respect of matters specified in the Act.