The Bureau of Civil Aviation (BCAS), the national Regulator for Civil Aviation Security, commemorated its 37th raising day in New Delhi. During the inaugural session of the two days program, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Gen. Dr. V.K. Singh (Retd.) presented awards to a list of screeners selected as best screeners in different categories. The Minister also distributed awards to officers of BCAS conferred with the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service on the occasion of Republic Day 2022 and Police Medal for meritorious service on the occasion of Republic Day 2023.
The minister addressed the inaugural session. He stressed that security is one of the critical aspects in the aviation sector and the responsibility lies on everyone for keeping flight operations safe and secure.
He said, “BCAS brings a big assurance to all airline passengers, stakeholders need to adopt stringent Standard Operating Procedures to tackle challenges new technologies are posing.”
Shri Rajiv Bansal, Secretary MoCA also addressed the program. He said, “India is the world’s fastest growing civil aviation industry and if the world has to grow in the aviation sector, it will be on India’s shoulder.”
“In coming time, more technology will be used in the airports to benefit the passengers”, he stated.
Shri Zulfiquar Hasan, DG BCAS also addressed the inaugural session. He said, “BCAS was born to make aviation zero error. The organization now has a pan-India presence with 20 regional offices.”
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security was initially set up as a Cell in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in January 1978 on the recommendation of the Pande Committee constituted in the wake of the hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight on 10th September, 1976.
The role of the Cell was to coordinate, monitor, inspect and train personnel in Civil Aviation Security matters. The BCAS was reorganized into an independent department on 1st April, 1987 under the Ministry of Civil Aviation as a sequel to the Kanishka Tragedy in June 1985.
The aim of BCAS is to safeguard civil aviation operations against acts of unlawful interference. The Bureau is responsible for laying down the standards for security in respect of civil flights operating to / from India and ensuring their compliance through regular inspections and security audits.