Kaw panel favours DGCA as aviation regulator

No need for separate regulator, feels committee

BY A CORRESPONDENT
April 7, 2006

MK Kaw Committee set up by Civil Aviation Ministry to review operations of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suggested making it the regulator for the sector. The committee also went ahead to state that DGCA should be the sole apex body, with powers of both safety and economic regulation vested with DGCA.

This, however, contradicts the government's move to set up an Aviation Economic Regulatory Authority (Aera). The civil aviation ministry had proposed setting up of Aera, which was to be cleared by Cabinet this month. "Having separate economic and regulatory authorities for this sector would result in confusion and chaos. Hence, it is recommended that enforcing compliance of the economic regulations should be the responsibility of DGCA," the report stated.

The committee also recommended that DGCA should be entrusted with the enforcement of compliance with environmental protection law and related legislative obligations.