(a) whether the Government proposes to revamp the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS);
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the extent to which revamping of BCAS is likely to provide foolproof safety to air passengers and aircraft ?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had engaged an expert team of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in 2011 for making suggestions for restructuring of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and for sufficient operational infrastructure for aviation security. On the basis of the recommendation of the said expert team, Ministry of Civil Aviation has already worked out the requirement of manpower in BCAS.
(c) The strengthening of BCAS is expected to ensure presence of the regulatory authority (for civil aviation security in the country) at all airports, which will enable better functioning at field level leading to better security oversight and quality control of civil aviation security in the country.