While finding a replacement for the outgoing CMD of Nacil was an easy job, the government is finding it hard to find a suitable candidate for the post of director-general of civil aviation (DGCA).
The term of present DGCA Kanu Gohain, who was supposed to have retired on June 31, has been extended twice for six months each due to the non-availability of a replacement candidate.
Interestingly, the last date for applications for the post of DGCA has also been extended twice.
According to sources in the ministry of civil aviation, so far only four people have responded to the vacancy circular brought out by the ministry on July 31 last year and published on December 22, 2007. These include IAF?s air marshal Verma and air marshal Rane, IAS officer Vijay Singh Madan and also Dr Nassim Zaidi, India?s representative to ICAO.
According to senior civil aviation ministry officials, one of the major hindrances to applying for the post is the steep eligibility criterion in the experience category.
According to the vacancy notice, the candidate must have had ?twelve years of experience in aviation/flying/aircraft engineering/airworthiness, out of which, a minimum of five years of experience should be in administration and finance disciplines at the senior management level?.
The last date of receipt of applications was extended to March 5 on February 8 this year and has again been extended to March 25.