An RTI reply has revealed a serious manpower crunch in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s top aviation regulator, sparking concerns about its ability to oversee safety in a rapidly expanding sector.

Out of 1,674 sanctioned Group 'A' technical posts in the DGCA, 503 are currently vacant, according to a response received through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

RTI activist Ajay Bose, who filed the query, said the situation was alarming. “This is just Group A. There are other categories too. The staff is overworked. If anything goes wrong, these vacancies could be a major reason,” he warned.

These Group 'A' positions are considered top-level technical roles critical for ensuring aviation safety through inspections, certifications, and audits.

The issue of understaffing was also reportedly discussed during a meeting of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee. Former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel acknowledged the staffing shortage, saying:

“DGCA is well equipped, but they are short of top-level staff. Retired officials can be brought back on short tenures to boost passenger confidence.”

Sources familiar with the matter said that nearly 400 of the 503 vacant posts were newly sanctioned within the last year, suggesting the regulator is struggling to keep pace with the sector’s growth.

While airlines remain responsible for operational safety, they admit that regulatory manpower plays a key role in maintaining high safety standards.

“The sector has expanded rapidly in the last 10 years. More flights need more checks. With better staffing, we can be more efficient,” said an official.

India’s aviation industry has seen massive growth, especially in the last decade, with new carriers, increased routes, and record passenger numbers. However, this pace of expansion demands stronger oversight and more frequent safety checks, something that could be at risk due to staff shortages.

The DGCA plays a central role in regulating air safety, licensing, airworthiness, and other technical aspects, making adequate staffing essential.

[This is an exclusive report published by Times Now.]

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