India's Civil Aviation Minister notes challenge to manage phenomenal aviation growth with safety

India's Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh said (17-Jul-2012) it is a "challenge to manage phenomenal growth of air traffic with safety". He added that for this an effective, autonomous and professionally competent regulatory framework is required. Mr Singh said the Ministry is contemplating to give more functional autonomy to the existing Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by establishing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under an Act of Parliament. Besides this, there is a proposal to restructure the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and to constitute a dedicated security force which will soon "see the light of the day". Mr Singh noted the "DGCA has not been able to effectively regulate the growing needs of the industry, including state-run and private airlines", creating the need for its replacement (IANS, 17-Jul-2012). He noted changes in the industry have also facilitated the need for an alternate regulatory structure. "Flying is no more a luxury but a necessity in a growing economy. It is not only the rich, but also a growing number of middle class people are opting to fly to fulfil their needs and commitments. Civil aviation is a part of the infrastructure," he said. [more - original PR]