Parliament Passes Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill, 2024

Context:

On December 5, 2024, the Rajya Sabha passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill, 2024, which aims to streamline and improve the licensing process for aviation personnel in India.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

• Licensing Process Transfer: One of the significant changes introduced by the Bill is the transfer of the Radio Telephone Operator Restricted (RTR) certification and licence testing process from the Department of Telecom (DoT) to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This change will simplify the process for aviation personnel, including pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and flight despatchers, by providing a single-window clearance system.
• Corruption Issues Addressed: The Bill addresses allegations of rampant corruption in the RTR exam conducted under DoT, where candidates had to pay hefty bribes for certification. By moving the process to the DGCA, the government aims to reduce such issues and create a more transparent system.
• Aircraft Design Regulation: The Bill also grants the DGCA additional powers to regulate the design of aircraft and the locations where they are designed, alongside existing provisions for aircraft manufacture, repair, and maintenance.