Civil Aviation Ministry notifies draft Aircraft Security Rules 2022

Subject: Polity

Context:

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the draft Aircraft Security Rules, 2022.

What was the need for change:

The new rules will supersede the Aircraft Security Rules, 2011 after Parliament passed the Aircraft Amendment Act, 2020 in September 2020, giving statutory powers to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
The primary responsibilities of BCAS include laying down standards and measures with respect to the security of civil flights at international and domestic airports in India.
The amendment in Parliament was required after the United Nations aviation watchdog, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),raised questions about the regulator’s functioning without statutory powers.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation, primarily dealing with safety issues. It is responsible for the regulation of air transport.

Some key provisions in the draft bill.

The BCAS can impose a fine of RS50 lakh to RS1 crore depending on the size of the company on airports and airlines if they fail to prepare and implement a security program, or if they commence operations without seeking a security clearance.
Large airports can also face a penalty of Rs1 crore if they fail to plan the design and layout of the airport in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Security Programme.
Individuals will also face penalties ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹25 lakh depending on the nature of offence.
The draft rules now authorize airports to engage private security agentsinstead of CISF personnel at “non-core areas” and assign security duties as per the recommendation of the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016.