Parliament Passes Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, Replacing old Aircraft Act

On Thursday, Parliament passed a bill to replace the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934, which has been amended 21 times over its long history.

The new legislation, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, aims to address the changing needs of the fast-growing aviation sector and improve the ease of doing business in the industry. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha after receiving approval from the Lok Sabha on August 9.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu highlighted that the bill’s title change from English to Hindi is a reflection of India’s heritage and culture, asserting that it aligns with the nation’s Constitutional norms. The change is seen as part of a broader push to incorporate Hindi into official usage while preserving the country’s identity.

One of the key provisions of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 is to streamline the design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment.

The bill also empowers the Central Government to regulate the issuance of certificates and licenses, facilitating ease of business in the aviation sector. Moreover, it seeks to implement international civil aviation conventions and improve security measures.

Another important aspect of the bill is its ability to empower the government to take emergency actions in the interest of public safety or tranquility.

It also includes provisions for compensating individuals for any loss or damage resulting from aviation-related incidents, along with an appeals process regarding compensation, licenses, certificates, or penalties.

The bill encourages private sector participation in aviation, but it also addresses concerns about potential monopolies in the industry.

Opposition MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns about the duopoly of Air India and IndiGo, which has led to high airfare prices. MP AA Raheem also expressed concerns about the dominance of major players like Adani, Tata, and IndiGo in airports and airspace.

The bill’s title change to Hindi sparked some controversy. While some parliamentarians supported it as a step toward acknowledging India’s cultural identity, others questioned the necessity of the change.