In a landmark move, Parliament passed Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak (BBV) 2024, replacing 90-year-old Aircraft Act of 1934. Rajya Sabha approved bill on Thursday, following its passage in Lok Sabha in August, marking a significant step in modernizing India’s aviation sector.
End of an Era: Replacing a Colonial Legacy
Aircraft Act of 1934, introduced during British rule, governed aviation in India for nearly a century. Over years, it was amended 21 times to adapt to evolving needs of aviation sector. However, rapid advancements in technology and global expansion of India’s aviation industry necessitated comprehensive legislative reform.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu emphasized need for this transformation, calling passage of BBV 2024 a step towards enhancing ease of doing business in aviation sector while reflecting India’s cultural heritage.
Why Title Change?
One notable aspect of new legislation is its title in Hindi, “Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak,” replacing English term “Aircraft Act.” Minister Naidu addressed concerns raised about this change, stating it was an effort to “showcase India’s heritage and culture.” He reassured that this decision did not breach constitutional norms. While some members of Parliament found title initially challenging to pronounce, Naidu expressed confidence that it would soon become a familiar part of India’s aviation lexicon.
Key Features of Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak (BBV) 2024
- Modernization of Regulations: BBV aims to align India’s aviation laws with global best practices, ensuring safety, efficiency, and innovation.
- Ease of Doing Business: By replacing outdated provisions, new law streamlines procedures for aviation industry, encouraging investment and growth.
- Support for Emerging Technologies: legislation includes provisions for regulating drones and other modern technologies, keeping pace with advancements in aviation.
- Enhancing Passenger Experience: BBV addresses need for better governance in areas like passenger services, pricing transparency, and grievance redressal.
Government’s Commitment to Affordable Air Travel
Responding to concerns about rising airfares, Minister Naidu highlighted government’s ongoing efforts to make air travel accessible to a wider population. He pointed to success of UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which has expanded regional air connectivity and reduced ticket costs in underserved areas. scheme aligns with goals of BBV 2024, ensuring that modernization benefits passengers alongside industry.
Aviation in India: From 1934 to 2024
Aircraft Act of 1934 was enacted under colonial governance and was primarily aimed at regulating aircraft operations, licensing, and safety standards. Over its 90-year tenure, act was periodically updated to reflect industry changes. However, experts and stakeholders long criticized it for being piecemeal and reactive, rather than proactively addressing sector’s needs.
With passage of BBV 2024, India marks a definitive shift from its colonial past, embracing a forward-looking framework designed to position India as a global aviation hub.
Impact on Aviation Sector
Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak is expected to:
- Attract global investment by streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
- Provide a robust legal framework for emerging aviation technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and flying taxis.
- Enhance passenger safety and service standards through stricter compliance requirements.
- Support regional connectivity initiatives, bolstering economic growth in smaller cities and towns.
Looking Ahead
India’s aviation sector has seen exponential growth over last two decades, with country becoming third-largest domestic aviation market in world. As air travel continues to recover post-pandemic, BBV 2024 promises to provide a modern legislative backbone to sustain this growth trajectory.
Key Statistics and Comparisons
| Aspect | Aircraft Act, 1934 | BBV 2024 |
| Enactment Year | 1934 | 2024 |
| Amendments | 21 | Comprehensive modern law |
| Focus Areas | Licensing, safety, operations | Emerging tech, passenger rights, and global standards |
| Regulatory Flexibility | Limited | High |
| Cultural Relevance | Minimal | Significant, reflects heritage |
News Highlights
- Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 replaces Aircraft Act of 1934, marking end of a 90-year-old colonial-era law.
- bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on Thursday after receiving Lok Sabha approval in August.
- Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu defended title change to Hindi as a move to “showcase India’s heritage and culture.”
- BBV 2024 aims to modernize regulations, streamline procedures, and enhance passenger services.
- government reaffirmed its commitment to affordable air travel through initiatives like UDAN scheme.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available from reliable sources at time of writing. Details and interpretations are subject to updates as more information emerges. Readers are advised to verify specifics independently and consult official announcements for most accurate information.
