Acting in a time-bound manner, the DGCA is now also moving fast to fill 700 critical positions sanctioned by the finance ministry over 12-24 months. “Meanwhile, consultants have been hired on contract in areas such as flight operations, aerodrome and air navigation and oversight functions,” said a DGCA official. Manpower shortage was one of the key reasons for safety and security lapses in the face of increasing traffic.

Important recommendations relating to strengthening and restructuring of the DGCA have remained unattended in the last three years.

Of the 35 issues which remain unresolved, 10 relate to Airports Authority of India, which took up these issues in its board meeting held recently. The authority will also be sending 100 officers to the US, Singapore and Europe to undergo an annual training programme in safety management, enforcement and surveillance systems.

In addition, it is implementing an annual surveillance programme to monitor the safety and security aspects. It has appointed 50 new surveillance inspectors to monitor six key areas including flight operations, cabin safety, aerodrome and air navigation system.