Context:

The Parliament recently passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill, 2024, which seeks to replace the existing Aircraft Act of 1934. 

Key objectives of the Bill: 

• It aims to Enhance safety, regulatory oversight, and consumer protection in aviation.
• It promotes self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing and encourages investments.
• It strengthens governance structures for civil aviation authorities.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

Regulatory Bodies: The central government will have the authority to supervise the following bodies, with powers to review or modify their orders:

• DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation): Oversees safety and regulatory functions within the aviation sector.
• BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security): Responsible for overseeing aviation security.
• AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau): Investigates accidents related to aircraft.

Offences and Penalties:

• The Bill identifies various offenses, such as:
• Flying an aircraft dangerously.
• Carrying prohibited goods like arms or explosives in an aircraft.
• Upon Failing to comply with directions of DGCA and BCAS.
• These above offenses will be punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine of up to ₹1 crore or both.
• The Bill provides the central government with discretionary powers to specify criminal or civil penalties for violations of certain Rules under it.
• Regulation of activities related to aircraft such as design, manufacturing, use, and trade
• Implementation of international conventions, investigation of accidents,  
• Protection of public health, and 
• Powers to detain aircraft.  
• Civil penalty may be up to one crore rupees.  
• Criminal penalty will be imprisonment up to two years, a fine up to one crore rupees, or both.

Powers to Make Rules under the Bill:

• The central government can make rules on the regulation of activities related to aircraft, including licensing, certification, and inspection. For E.g.: - 
• The government can regulate air transport services through specific rules.
• Rules can be made for implementing the Convention on International Civil Aviation, 1944.
• Rules regarding radiotelephone operator certificates and licenses under the International Telecommunication Convention.
• A new provision allows for a second appeal against decisions related to the imposition of penalties by the first appellate officer for violations under the Bill.

Criticism regarding the naming of Bill:

• The Bill's title change to Hindi triggered a debate, with some supporting it as a reflection of India's cultural identity, while others deemed it unnecessary.