Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday introduced the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 in the Rajya Sabha, seeking to replace the nearly century-old Aircraft Act. The Bill, which had already been passed in the Lok Sabha during the August session, aims to modernise aviation regulations and bring them in line with international standards.

ICAO Recommendations Prompt Legislative Reform

Naidu stated that the Bill is a response to suggestions from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to amend the outdated Aircraft Act. “We have organised everything in the bill with distinct sections for bodies like the DGCA, ensuring clear demarcation of responsibilities,” he explained, emphasising the need for structured reforms.

Expansion of India’s Aviation Sector

Highlighting the growth of India’s aviation sector, Naidu noted that the number of airports has increased from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024, while the fleet size has doubled from 400 aircraft in 2014 to 813. He underscored the aviation sector’s role in driving economic growth, adding, “Today, everyone wants an airport in their district, and we aim to cater to these aspirations.”

Key Features of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak

The bill seeks to resolve existing legal anomalies and provide a cohesive regulatory framework. New provisions include:

  • Inclusion of Design and Manufacturing: The bill introduces definitions and provisions for aircraft design and manufacturing, previously missing from the Act.
  • Appeals Mechanism: It establishes an appeals system to ensure accountability and fair adjudication.
  • Legal Backing to Rules: By amending the principal act, the Bill provides robust legal support to aviation regulations.

The legislation also aims to improve the ease of flying, attract foreign direct investment, and align India’s aviation laws with international conventions. Naidu stressed the importance of taking proactive steps to meet future challenges, including land scarcity for airport construction.

Concerns Over Autonomy and Inclusivity

Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain raised concerns over the Bill’s title being in Hindi, calling it exclusionary for non-Hindi-speaking populations. “60 per cent of the population is non-Hindi-speaking. Naming the bill in Hindi is a trend of exclusion,” he said.

Hussain also questioned the autonomy of aviation regulatory agencies. He expressed concern about appeals against decisions by bodies like DGCA or BCAS being limited to the Union Government, stating, “It remains to be seen how professionally and independently these agencies can function under direct government control.”

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, marks a significant step towards modernising India’s aviation sector. While it promises streamlined regulations and economic growth, debates around inclusivity and regulatory autonomy highlight the complexities of implementing such a sweeping reform. The Bill’s passage in the Rajya Sabha will be closely watched as it shapes the future of civil aviation in India.

(With agency inputs)