Date:11/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/09/11/stories/2007091152721000.htm

Back LS clears Bill to raise fine for Aircraft Act violation

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Sept 10 A Bill to amend the Aircraft Act, 1934 to substantially enhance the maximum penalty payable for violation of various provisions of the Act was passed by the Lok Sabha.

The amendment proposes enhancing the maximum penalty payable for violation of various provisions to Rs 10 lakh from the existing Rs 2,000 and maximum imprisonment to three years from the existing one year.

The proposed amendment also provides the Centre with the powers to license personnel manning air traffic control, apart from carrying out inspection and regulation of the communication, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management facilities.

The amendment also enlarges the powers of the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to prohibit slaughtering and flaying of animals within a 10-km radius of airports.

Besides, it proposes that the safety oversight function could now be performed by the DGCA or any other office especially empowered by the Centre. The amendment also inserts a new clause in the Act so as to exercise regulatory control on foreign-registered aircraft.