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Pilots’ body urges PM to create independent Civil Aviation Authority
The Federation of Indian Pilots has written to the Prime Minister's Office and the Cabinet Secretary, calling for the creation of an independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to replace the Directorate General…
The Story in Brief
The Federation of Indian Pilots has written to the Prime Minister's Office and the Cabinet Secretary, calling for the creation of an independent Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to replace the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. In a 30-page letter sent on August 7, FIP president Captain C S Randhawa argued that the DGCA, which functions under the Civil Aviation Ministry, lacks the independence needed for strong oversight. He noted that the International Civil Aviation Organization recommended an independent regulator for India as far back as 2006, and that India is the only Asian country without one. A similar bill introduced in 2013 lapsed after the Lok Sabha was dissolved. The new Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which came into force in January 2025, did not establish a separate CAA but instead designated DGCA, BCAS and AAIB as the principal bodies for safety, security and investigation.
The Indian Opinion
The pilots' letter is a timely reminder that India's aviation regulator remains under government control, unlike even smaller neighbours. The 2013 bill lapsed, and the 2024 Aircraft Act did not create an independent authority. Critics may blame bureaucratic inertia, but the government has also moved on other reforms. The real test will be whether the Centre tables a new CAA bill in the next parliamentary session.
Source: newindianexpress.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
