Rajya Sabha Approves Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024: A Milestone in India’s Aviation Reforms
New Delhi, December 5: The Rajya Sabha has passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, a landmark legislation aimed at transforming India’s aviation sector by replacing the nearly century-old Aircraft Act, 1934. The bill, which was earlier approved by the Lok Sabha, introduces modern regulatory provisions to align with global standards and streamline the aviation industry.
Key Objectives and Vision
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, focuses on enhancing ease of doing business, fostering domestic manufacturing in aviation, and ensuring compliance with international conventions. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, who presented the bill, described it as a transformative step for the industry.
“This Act will strengthen our regulatory framework, promote ease of doing business, and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. It aligns India with global standards, ensuring our aviation industry is on par with the best in the world,” Naidu remarked. He also emphasized that the legislation is a proud moment for the nation, promising “brighter skies ahead.”
Aviation: Catalyst for Economic Growth
During his address, Naidu underscored the aviation sector’s pivotal role in driving economic development, stating that it supports tourism, real estate, job creation, and industrial growth.
“Aviation is not just about flying; it’s a nodal sector that impacts economic activity across industries. Promoting aviation means boosting tourism, creating jobs, and fueling growth in allied sectors,” he explained.
He highlighted the success of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which has operationalized 86 airports, significantly increasing passenger traffic and connecting underserved regions.
Addressing Industry Concerns
The minister acknowledged challenges such as rising fuel costs and airfares. He urged states to reduce VAT on aviation fuel and assured members that mechanisms to curb steep fare hikes are being strengthened.
Modernizing Aviation Laws
The bill aims to address ambiguities and redundancies in the Aircraft Act, 1934, while introducing comprehensive provisions for the design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft. Key features include:
- Empowering the Central Government to regulate aviation licensing and ensure compliance with international conventions.
- Strengthening aviation security measures and establishing mechanisms for compensation and appeals.
- Introducing penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violations of the Act.
Global Alignment and Future Outlook
The legislation represents a significant step toward positioning India as a global aviation leader. By modernizing regulatory frameworks and simplifying business processes, it aims to attract investment and foster innovation in the sector.
The passage of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, marks a historic milestone, reflecting India’s commitment to building a robust and globally competitive aviation ecosystem.
