“No Margin of Error in the Sky”: AAP MP Urges Urgent Reforms in DGCA Amid Rising Air Safety Concerns/
DGCA Facing Severe Staffing Crisis, Says Raghav Chadha
In a strong statement during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Chadha described the situation as a “crisis,” stating that over 55% of technical posts at the DGCA remain vacant as of 2024. These vacant positions, he emphasized, include critical roles related to air safety inspections, aircraft maintenance, pilot licensing, and overall passenger safety.
“India’s civil aviation sector is growing rapidly, but the backbone — the DGCA — is cracking under pressure,” he said.
Chadha Demands Autonomy for DGCA
Raghav Chadha called for urgent reforms, urging the government to transform the DGCA into a fully autonomous statutory body, akin to SEBI in finance and TRAI in telecommunications.
“There is no room for error in the sky. We need a regulator that is independent, empowered, and adequately staffed,” he insisted.
He also questioned when the government would fill the technical vacancies, which are essential for upholding safety protocols and industry standards.
Recent Aviation Tragedies Heighten Scrutiny
Chadha’s remarks came in the aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which tragically claimed 240 lives. The incident, along with a series of recent technical malfunctions across Indian airlines, has placed the spotlight on aviation safety and regulatory oversight.
Government Responds: “DGCA Is Fully Functional and Professional”
In response, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu defended the DGCA, stating that it is operating with the “utmost professionalism” and in line with international civil aviation protocols.
“The DGCA is not under pressure. We are following global best practices and making efforts to hire qualified personnel for technical roles,” the minister said.
He clarified that the flagged vacancies were newly created, and recruitment is ongoing. The minister also pointed to the limited talent pool available for such specialized roles, which complicates immediate hiring.
Public Engagement and Continued Advocacy
Earlier, Mr. Chadha had also invited citizens to share their concerns ahead of the session.
“I had sought your inputs for issues you’d like me to raise in Parliament. Humbled by the overwhelming response,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“As aviation safety remains a growing concern amid a surge in passenger traffic and recent air tragedies, Chadha’s intervention has reignited the conversation on strengthening regulatory frameworks, filling key technical roles, and ensuring that India’s skies remain safe for all. We will continue to follow developments and provide updates as the issue evolves.”
