“In the next 12 months or so, the ministry plans to separate the role of the regulator and the investigator — both of which are vested in the DGCA as of now. The decision is being taken as it is part of the international practices the ministry wishes to adopt for the civil aviation sector. Though we are very happy and fortunate that there have been no major accidents, in case of any, the need to have separate regulator and investigative authority will be strongly felt. So,there is a case for re-engineering and restructuring DGCA’s role”, said Ashok Chawla, secretary Civil Aviation, while speaking at a seminar on aviation safety organised by the Foundation for Aviation and Sustainable Tourism (FAST).

Terming the subject of air safety management as extremely pertinent in the current situation, the secretary pointed out how the primary focus had shifted from service to safety in the air and how besides being technology-driven, it had a strong human factor.

Alongside the seminar, the secretary said national carrier Air India’s proposal to engage its employees with stock options was under consideration, but it was still at an early stage of discussion.

“It is important that the national carrier is financially stable before this step is taken. The merged entity ran into losses to the tune of Rs 700 crore in 2006-7. Since this financial year, too, we expect the loss to only go up, this has to be taken care of before the stock options are studied. So, the AI proposal for employee stock options is being considered. The idea is to encourage employee participation. It is still to be decided what the percentage of capital share should be,” added Chawla.

The Government is likely to issue up to 5 per cent of National Aviation Company India Ltd’s (NACIL) equity capital as shares to employees.

The secretary said the newly-constructed airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore, due for commercial opening, will soon see trial runs.

DGCA Director Kanu Gohain said there was enormous pressure, both on infrastructure and safety requirements, owing to the tremendous increase in air traffic growth.

“While DGCA is getting in the best of technology and equipment to ensure safety in the skies and taking several other steps and strategic initiatives to adhere to international safety standards, a lot needs to be done. The attitude of personnel at various levels is very important to enhance safety levels and remove deficiencies in the system,” he added.

The seminar was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, Delhi International Airport Limited and Bangaluru airport.