DGCA's Citizen Charter will respect rights of airlines, passengers, says Jayant Sinha

Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, in an exclusive talk with Zee Business's Sameer Dixit said that the Citizen's Charter being prepared by the DGCA is going to be an effective policy and will span the rights of passengers and ensure their safety, while flying. Here are edited excerpts from a comprehensive interview:

Q: Government is coming with a Citizen Charter that will help flyers to know their rights and end the monopoly of airlines. What is government's motive/intention behind the charter?
A: It is going to be a very effective policy that will talk about the right and safety of air passengers. This is going to be a consultative process and under it we have had discussions with several airlines as well as airports. Soon, a draft of the charter will be placed in public for comments. The final Charter will be based on the recommendations and suggestions from all sides, may it be airlines or passengers. 

Q: The charter is being opposed by several airlines because it talks about the penalty, which may go up to Rs 20,000. 
A: The charter will be created in a balanced way and will also talk about the interests and rights of airlines. At the same time, the charter will also talk about the rights and safety of passengers. Penalties will be charged only if the airlines are found to be wrong. 

Watch MoS for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha

#Exclusive : सिटीज़न चार्टर में लोंगों के आधिकार साफ होंगे, बोले जंयत सिन्हा @jayantsinha @sameerdixit16 @MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/ChB5jAIc4q

— Zee Business (@ZeeBusiness) April 19, 2018

Q: Concerning the prevalent cash crunch situation in the country. The government is saying that the situation is present in one or two areas. What is your take on this and by when will the situation return to normal?
A: The Finance Minister, as well as experts, have said a lot on this subject and they have said that the situation is visible in one or two places in the country. The banknotes being issued by the Reserve Bank of India will be distributed evenly across the country to overcome the shortage soon. 

Watch this Zee Business video on Jayant Sinha

Citizen’s Charter for Directorate General of Civil Aviation

Vision: Endeavour to promote safe and efficient Air Transportation through regulation and proactive safety oversight system.

Mission: To establish adequately resourced and effective State safety oversight system operating above international standards set by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for safe, orderly and sustainable air transport with acceptable level of safety for scheduled, non‐scheduled, general aviation and helicopter operations.