Panel calls for revamping DGCA, simplifying rules

New Delhi, Apr 4 (UNI) A high-powered government panel today suggested eliminating a plethora of regulatory agencies for healthy growth of civil aviation in the country.

It said existing procedures of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for clearances of flight schedules, approvals and licensing are out of sync with developments in the sector.

''The DGCA should liberlise its regulatory framework to give a greater fillip to the already burgeoning civil aviation business.'' The committee said one independent tribunal independent of the regulatory authority should address day-to-day concerns, including arbitration issues of the industry players.

The suggestions are part of a report on transforming the standards of India's civil aviation industry prepared by the panel headed by former civil aviation secretary M K Kaw. It was submitted to civil aviation minister Praful Patel.

The report suggested that the DGCA should be statutorily notified as a sole apex body for safety and economic regulation of the sector. It should also act as a catalyst for the growth of manufacturing sector.

''The government also needs to finalise its civil aviation policy and give it a statutory basis in the shape of a new policy,'' said Mr Kaw while briefing reporters.

There should be a national civil aviation advisory committee to lay down the policy and review it at regular intervals.

Also, there should be a national training policy, a central air university, several state air universities, a DGCA training academy and tighter control and supervision over flying training schools besides aircraft maintenance engineers training institutions.

The report called for an Indian civil aviation service to man various positions in the DGCA.

UNI SU SR BS1946