During the ongoing Winter Session, Parliament on Thursday approved the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, which aims to replace the Aircraft Act of 1934. The bill focuses on streamlining aviation regulations, enabling manufacturing and maintenance, eliminating redundancies, and promoting ease of doing business. Passed by a voice vote in the Rajya Sabha after a detailed discussion led by Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, the bill had already received approval from the Lok Sabha on August 9. The minister addressed concerns from members on various topics, including rising airfares.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law & Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and other MPs in Rajya Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SansadTV YouTube
This legislation seeks to enhance safety standards, attract investments, and align India’s aviation regulatory framework with global norms. By emphasizing growth, accessibility, and affordability alongside safety, it is expected to significantly bolster the nation's aviation sector and drive further expansion. Addressing objections regarding the Hindi renaming of the bill, Minister Naidu explained that the title change was meant to "highlight India’s heritage and culture" and assured members that it complied with Constitutional norms.
Key Objectives of the 'Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024'
The bill emphasizes improving safety, strengthening regulatory oversight, and protecting consumers while aligning with global standards.
It aims to foster self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing, attract investments, and establish robust governance frameworks for civil aviation authorities.
The bill includes provisions for the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment.
It empowers the central government to regulate the issuance of Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificates and licenses to facilitate ease of business.
The bill authorizes the government to establish rules for implementing the Convention on International Civil Aviation and other aspects of civil aviation security.
It introduces penalties, fines, or imprisonment for violations of the Act or its rules, while also addressing ambiguities and eliminating redundancies.
The legislation proposes repealing the Aircraft Act of 1934 and incorporating regulatory provisions for more effective implementation.
The bill grants the central government authority to issue emergency orders in the interest of public safety or tranquility, with provisions for compensation for any loss or damage as stipulated in the Act.
It also includes provisions for appeals related to compensation, licenses, certificates, approvals, and the adjudication of penalties.
Civil Aviation Minister Addresses Rising Airfares
In response to concerns raised by some MPs about rising airfare costs, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu stated that the government has made efforts to improve accessibility through the "Udan scheme" and is dedicated to ensuring affordability for passengers. Naidu further explained that the air ticket pricing system is deregulated, resulting in a "win-win situation for everyone." He also emphasized the importance of developing local airports to handle more passengers. He clarified that airfares have been deregulated globally and in India since 1994, though the ministry monitors fares, and airlines are required to inform it before setting prices for specific routes.
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