The Hindu Business Line : Cabinet okays changes in 1934 Aircraft Act

New Delhi, Aug. 3 The Union Cabinet has approved several amendments to the Aircraft Act, 1934 that would give the Government a host of powers to regulate the sector, including the licensing personnel engaged in Air Traffic Control activities.

The amendments also propose giving the Government powers to make rules to ensure civil aviation security.

The Central Government exercises control on the manufacture, possession, use, operation and sale of civil aircraft through provisions of the Aircraft Act 1934. However, with significant development taking place in the sector during the last two decades, the Government decided to amend the Act.

Enhance powers

The proposed amendments would enhance the powers of the Government and allow it to have control over foreign registered aircraft operating in or over the Indian air space.

In addition, the amendments proposed would enhance the powers of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), allowing it to issue directions on a variety of issues including prohibiting slaughter of animals within a 10 km radius of the airport.

Penalty

The Act has also proposed increasing the maximum penalty for violation of the Act to Rs 10 lakhs and two years in prison.

The Bill seeking to amend the provisions of the Aircraft Act, 1934 would now be placed before Parliament and would have to be cleared by it before the amendments can come into effect.