Top job at DGCA unfilled, govt mulls relaxing norms

The incumbent,EK Bharat Bhushan,additional secretary-rank IAS officer,was appointed in December-end for a period of six months,and was given a six-month extension in May this year.

There is no eligible candidate from within the DGCA and the responses we have received do not meet the laid down qualifications, a civil aviation ministry official told The Indian Express. Former Air Chief Marshal PV Naik had written to the ministry requesting them to considering relaxing the age limit.

The Indian Air Force has argued that none of its officers of Air Marshal rank who are otherwise qualified to apply for the top job attain the rank (of Air Marshal) at an age of 56. They have asked for one years relaxation, said the official.

We will be making the necessary recommendations to the Union Public Service Commission,who will take a call on the matter. The candidate should have an ideal mix of technical and administrative experience, said the official. In recent times,the post has assumed greater significance as DGCA responsible for ensuring aviation safety among other things is undergoing a revamping process and is trying to put its house in order.