July 22: The civil aviation ministry is considering a proposal to give more teeth to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to deal with erring airlines violating safety norms.

A draft proposal in this regard envisages arming the DGCA, the safety watchdog of the aviation sector, with the powers of a civil court to adjudicate and impose penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh for safety lapses by airlines, according to official sources here on Tuesday.

The draft containing amendments to the Aircraft Act of 1934 and Aircraft Rules of 1937 to give more powers to the DGCA was circulated by the civil aviation ministry last week to the law ministry, Indian Airlines, Air India, Pawan Hans Limited, Airports Authority of India, Bureau of Aviation Security and to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The move to strengthen DGCA's powers is in line with the Draft Civil Aviation Policy under consideration which wants the directorate to function as a promoter and catalyst of safety culture.

The policy calls for a greater emphasis on building safety culture in aviation organisations, accident prevention programmes and introduction of safety management systems by the organisations themselves.

The draft proposal regarding DGCA's powers envisages that the quantum of penalty for violation of law should be stringent so that the desired deterrent effect is achieved since the airlines industry was fraught with risks to human lives and property.

The proposed penalty ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 10 lakh depending upon the seriousness of act of omission or commission.

Failure to pay the penalty imposed or to comply with the orders issued shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, it has been suggested.

The power to hear an appeal against the DGCA order shall lie with the central government to ensure that principles of equity and natural justice are observed when the adjudicating body (DGCA) exercises its powers.

Also, before any violation is tried by the adjudicating officer, the sanction of the central government shall be obtained. The draft has underlined the need for the government to exercise supervisory control on the technical standards of airports and ground aids.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.