NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2020 clearing the decks for its enactment into law by Parliament.
The Bill sought to ensure higher safety and security for passengers, aircraft, and airports in line with international standards.
The Lok Sabha had passed it on March 17, this year.
The bill sought to transmute the three regulatory bodies, including Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation into statutory bodies.
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri introduced the bill in the House on Monday which was considered today.
The Minister said that the amendments would fulfil the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which had raised questions of safety and security in its audit. The reflection of the body had necessitated an amendment to the Aircraft Act, 1934.
The Act regulates the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of civil aircraft and licensing of aerodromes.
Taking part in the discussion, Puri rebutted charge of Members of opposition parties that the government was promoting crony capitalism through the route of privatisation of airports.
Awarding management of airports to private parties was started by the UPA regime in 2006 in the form of Mumbai and Delhi airports.
He supported the participation of private parties to manage airports saying it helped to raise revenues which are ploughed back in the development of other airports.
With regard privatisation of Air India, the national carrier, Puri said that with it being in debt of Rs 60,000 crore, the choice was between running it or halting it for good.
“The choice is not between privatisation or no-privatisation,” Puri said.
Opening the debate KC Venugopal said that the government was trying to promote the interest of one Corporate house by awarding management of six airports to it.