The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is facing a shortage of around 450 posts in the staff. However, DGCA officials maintain that this has not affected the day-to-day functioning of the civil aviation regulator and flight safety checks are as stringent as ever.

“The staff shortage has not had an effect on our work. We are also getting some help from consultants and experts are being recruited on a contractual basis,” a DGCA official told Business Line.

Out of the total 997 posts in the DGCA, 437 remain vacant.

DGCA officials added that the Civil Aviation Ministry is trying to ensure that empty posts are filled up soon. An official said that the Ministry has taken up the matter with the Union Public Service Commission for “expeditious” finalisation of recruitments.

As per the Phasing Plan by the Department of Expenditure, the posts are required to be filled by April 2012.

Global standards

The United Kingdom's aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority has staff strength of 1,000 while the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States of America has a staff of around 4,500 stationed at its headquarters.

Analysts said that such a staff shortage will end up affecting the DGCA's work. “The existing staff will be under pressure because of the extra work. The Ministry should ensure that adequate number of competent people are hired to ensure there are no safety lapses,” said an analyst who did not wish to be quoted.

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