The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is addressing critical manpower shortages by creating a pool of retired technical officers to provide advisory support and help reduce operational delays. This initiative comes amid growing concerns about the regulator's ability to maintain safety oversight in India's rapidly expanding aviation sector.
A recent রাইট টু ইনফরমেশন (RTI) request revealed that a significant number of technical posts within the DGCA are vacant. Specifically, 503 out of 1,674 Group A technical positions remain unfilled. This shortage has raised concerns about the DGCA's capacity to conduct regular safety checks and ensure compliance within the aviation industry. RTI activist Ajay Bose described the situation as "shocking", emphasizing that the vacancies extend beyond Group A positions and contribute to an overworked staff, potentially compromising safety.
The manpower crunch at the DGCA isn't a new issue. In August 2010, reports highlighted over 400 vacant technical posts, impacting the regulator's safety oversight capabilities. At that time, passenger operations had increased by 150% in the preceding decade, while the DGCA's manpower had decreased by 40%.
Several factors contribute to the DGCA's staffing challenges. One issue is the outdated recruitment system, which relies on external agencies like the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), leading to lengthy hiring processes. Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been hesitant to grant the DGCA direct hiring authority, further slowing progress. While 441 new posts were created between 2022 and 2024, filling them remains a challenge.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu acknowledged the shortage of technical personnel, stating that nearly 55% of such positions are vacant. In response, the government intends to recruit 190 personnel to strengthen the DGCA's capabilities. Minister Kinjarapu emphasized the need to recruit the right individuals, highlighting that those responsible for passenger safety must be highly qualified. He also refuted claims that the DGCA is operating under pressure, asserting that the posts were recently created and that due diligence is being followed.
To mitigate the impact of the staff shortage, the DGCA's initiative to create a pool of retired technical officers aims to leverage the experience and expertise of seasoned professionals. These officers will provide advisory support, assisting in various technical aspects of aviation regulation and oversight. By utilizing their knowledge, the DGCA hopes to streamline processes, reduce delays, and maintain a high level of safety.
The effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen, and the underlying issues of recruitment and structural challenges need to be addressed for a sustainable solution. The parliamentary report tabled on August 20, 2025, called the shortage an "existential threat" to aviation safety, urging swift action. Filling the vacant positions and empowering the DGCA with more autonomy in hiring are crucial steps to ensure the continued safety and growth of India's aviation sector.
