The union cabinet, headed by the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, has given its nod to the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The bill aims to carry out amendments to the Indian Aircraft Act, 1934.
The Indian Aircraft Act, 1934 is a government act to make better provision for the control of the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of aircraft.
The amendments would fulfil the requirements of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
As per the 2019 bill, the maximum fine limit for the breach of airline security has been increased from ₹1,000,000 to ₹ 1, 00, 00,000.
It also focuses on widening the scope of the existing act to include regulations for all areas of air navigation.
Besides, the amendments will also strengthen the role of India’s three key civil aviation regulatory bodies namely Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
DGCA is the Indian governmental regulatory body for civil aviation, ensuring safe and efficient air transportation through regulation and proactive safety oversight system.
BCAS, an attached office of Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, is a regulatory authority for civil aviation security in India.
AAIB is a division of Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India which investigates aircraft accidents and incidents in the country.
