Rajya Sabha approves Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020

Rajya Sabha has passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020, which was tabled by Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today, after an hour-long discussion.

The Bill had already been cleared by the Lok Sabha in March this year.

The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill 2020 seeks to convert aviation agencies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil aviation security (BCAS) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into statutory bodies.

Bill gives three aviation regulators statutory powers and enhances the fine for violations from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore in a bid to improve aircraft safety.

The Bill gives statutory powers to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri said the changes were necessary in view of the growth of the sector. The Bill empowers the aviation watchdog DGCA to levy penalties of up to ₹1 crore on airlines, airports and other aviation entities.

The Bill also empowers the central government to cancel the licences, certificates or approvals granted to a person if the person contravenes any provisions of the Act. The Bill exempts armed forces aircraft of the country.