About Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak

BHARATIYA VAYUYAN VIDHEYAK 2024

📌 Context:

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak (Indian Aviation Bill) 2024 is set to replace the British-era Aircraft Act, 1934, aligning India’s aviation laws with modern global standards.

🚀 Need to Replace the Aircraft Act, 1934

1️⃣ Frequent Amendments – The old Act was amended multiple times to align with international aviation conventions, leading to ambiguities and confusion.
2️⃣ Redundancy Removal – Outdated provisions are eliminated for better regulatory efficiency.
3️⃣ Simplification – The new bill enhances the ease of doing business and streamlines regulatory processes.
4️⃣ Modernization – Addresses design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft, including new technologies like drones and flying taxis.

🔑 Important Provisions of the Bill

✅ 1. Revised Aircraft Definition

• Balloons and gliders have been removed from the definition of aircraft.

✅ 2. Empowerment for Rule-Making

• The Central Government is empowered to frame rules to implement international civil aviation conventions.

• Key Conventions:

  • Chicago Convention (1944) – Governs international air transport.

  • International Telecommunication Convention (1932) – Regulates airwave communications for aviation.

✅ 3. Enhanced Powers for Aviation Authorities

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) – Strengthened authority over civil aviation regulations.

• Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) – Enhanced role in aviation security.

• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) – More power to investigate and enforce safety protocols.

✅ 4. Emergency Powers

• The Central Government can detain aircraft or issue orders in public safety emergencies.

✅ 5. License and Certification Management

• The government can suspend, cancel, or restrict aviation licenses and certifications.

• Affected parties have the right to a hearing before such actions.

✅ 6. Appeal Process

• Introduction of a second appeal mechanism between the initial appeal and final appeal to the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

📌 Significance of the Bill

1️⃣ Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat – Encourages domestic aircraft design and manufacturing.
2️⃣ Expands Coverage – Includes drones, UAVs, flying taxis, and electronic gliders.
3️⃣ Boosts India’s Aviation Growth –

• ICRA estimates an 8–13% growth in domestic air passenger traffic for FY 2024.

• Facilitates modern aviation infrastructure development.

⚡ Opposition & Government’s Response

❌ Opposition Concerns:

• Some MPs argue that the Hindi name violates Articles 348(1B), 120, and 340 of the Constitution, which require bills to be in English.

• Cited Section 3 of the Official Languages Act, stating South Indians may face difficulty in pronunciation.

✅ Government’s Response:

• The bill’s text remains in English, ensuring constitutional compliance.

• The Hindi name represents India’s cultural identity without violating legal provisions.

📜 About the Chicago Convention (1944)

• Also known as the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

• Established International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to regulate global air transport.

• Defines nine freedoms of air, which allow countries to fly over, land in, and transport passengers/cargo between territories.

• India is a signatory to this convention.

🔍 Conclusion

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 marks a paradigm shift in India’s aviation sector, replacing an outdated colonial law with a modern, business-friendly, and technology-driven framework. By strengthening regulatory bodies, expanding industry coverage, and enhancing compliance with international standards, the bill is a step forward in making India a global aviation hub. 🚀✈️