Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday introduced a significant piece of legislation in the Rajya Sabha aimed at modernizing India’s aviation regulatory framework. The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, seeks to replace the Aircraft Act of 1934, a law that has governed the sector for nearly 90 years. The bill had previously been passed in the Lok Sabha during the last session of Parliament in August, setting the stage for its consideration and approval in the Upper House.
In his address, Naidu highlighted the necessity of this legislative overhaul, citing recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAO had suggested amendments to the existing legal framework to better align India’s aviation regulations with contemporary international standards. Naidu noted that while the Aircraft Act of 1934 was a pioneering piece of legislation in its time, it was drafted when aviation was still in its infancy, long before the advent of large-scale commercial aviation, global connectivity, and the modern technological advancements that define the sector today.
The proposed Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, is designed to address the shortcomings of the outdated law and cater to the current and future needs of the aviation industry. With passenger traffic and air cargo volumes growing at unprecedented rates, Naidu underscored the urgency of having a legal framework that not only ensures safety and security but also promotes efficiency and sustainability in the sector. He stressed that the proposed legislation would help India remain compliant with ICAO norms, improve regulatory oversight, and foster a business-friendly environment for the aviation industry.
One of the key objectives of the bill is to streamline administrative processes and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that have often hindered the growth of the sector. The bill aims to provide clearer definitions of various aviation-related activities, empower regulatory bodies like the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and introduce stricter penalties for violations to ensure compliance with safety and security standards. Furthermore, it proposes enhancements to the regulatory framework to accommodate emerging technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), air taxis, and advanced air mobility systems, ensuring India remains at the forefront of aviation innovation.
Naidu emphasized that the bill reflects the government’s commitment to transforming India into a global aviation hub. By modernizing the legal framework, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, aims to attract greater investments, encourage the development of indigenous capabilities, and support initiatives like the ‘Make in India’ program in the aerospace sector. The legislation also seeks to create an environment conducive to expanding air connectivity to underserved regions, thus promoting regional economic development and accessibility.
Addressing members of the Rajya Sabha, Naidu highlighted the strategic importance of the aviation sector in India’s economic and social development. He pointed out that the industry not only facilitates international and domestic travel but also plays a critical role in sectors like tourism, trade, and emergency response. A modernized aviation law, he argued, is essential to support these multifaceted contributions while ensuring that India’s growth story in the skies remains safe, secure, and sustainable.
In addition to the bill’s domestic implications, Naidu noted its international significance. The updated legislation would enhance India’s credibility on the global stage by demonstrating the country’s adherence to international standards and its willingness to evolve in step with the demands of a dynamic global aviation environment.
The introduction of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, marks a historic moment in India’s legislative journey. It underscores the government’s recognition of the transformative role of aviation in shaping India’s future and its determination to equip the industry with the tools it needs to thrive in the 21st century. As the Rajya Sabha takes up the bill for debate and passage, stakeholders across the aviation spectrum are watching closely, recognizing its potential to redefine the trajectory of India’s aviation sector.
