Minister Confirms Plans to Fill 190 DGCA Vacancies This Year

Quick Summary

• Union civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced plans too fill 190 vacancies in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by the end of this year.
• Currently, 410 out of a total 1063 sanctioned positions are vacant, representing a shortfall of 38%.
• New posts were created in recent years to strengthen aviation surveillance and address growth in airports and airline fleets.
• Recruiting for technical roles is challenging due to the niche requirements and limited talent pool such as pilots and engineers. Efforts aim to fill up to 90% of vacancies within this year.
• UPSC interviews for Class I officers have already been conducted, with senior officials expecting appointments by October, targeting flight safety and airworthiness departments primarily.
• Some delays arise from deputation processes involving Indian Air Force personnel (76 positions pending), and also internal promotions opening up new posts (24 positions).
• The issue has drawn attention in committee meetings led by MPs from opposition parties following industry concerns on aviation safety post-Air India crash on June 12.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Filling key DGCA vacancies marks an essential step toward improving India’s aviation safety framework amidst booming growth in infrastructure and fleet expansion. The minister’s emphasis on robust technical recruitment reflects recognition of critical gaps impacting oversight capacities within airworthiness and flight safety divisions-a concern highlighted during parliamentary discussions after a high-profile incident like Air India’s crash.

While progress through UPSC-led hiring indicates bureaucratic commitment, challenges stemming from limited expertise availability underline broader structural hurdles facing India’s civil aviation sector as it scales operations. Ensuring timely appointments not only addresses immediate staffing needs but also reinforces public confidence in regulatory preparedness amid rising passenger expectations nationwide.

For more details: The Hindu