Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024, introduced by Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu in the Lok Sabha, aims to replace the outdated Aircraft Act of 1934 with clearer, updated regulations for civil aviation in India. The new bill seeks to remove confusion from the previous law, which had been amended 21 times, and to align India’s aviation regulations with international standards. Key features include repealing the old Act, centralizing government control over aircraft operations, and emphasizing accident investigations and public health safety. The bill supports the ‘Make in India’ campaign by encouraging local aircraft design and production and improving maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Despite facing criticism for its Hindi title, the Minister defended it as representing a new identity for India while ensuring the content remains accessible in English. The Aircraft Act of 1934 originally established rules for civil aviation, leading to the creation of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and focusing on licensing, aircraft safety, and accident regulations. The new bill promises to enhance safety, efficiency, and support for India’s aviation infrastructure.