(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the press news item captioned `Red tape grounds BSFs brand new chopper fleet` as reported in the Indian Express dated July 13, 2004;
(b) if so, whether the Government is facing shortage of pilots to fly BSF aircraft/helicopters;
(c) if so, the details and facts thereof; and
(d) the steps proposed to be taken to remove various hurdles in the way of new chopper fleet?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): No, Sir.
(c): Does not arise in view of reply to part (b) above.
(d): The requisite number of pilots have been inducted into BSF Air Wing from IAF. A Memorandum of Understanding between BSF Air Wing and Indian Air Force for operation of these helicopters is under finalization. As regards `Notification` for exemption of these helicopters from the purview of Aircraft Act, 1934, the matter is under consideration of the Ministry in consultation with the Ministry of Law.