New Delhi
Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Vikram Dev Dutt, announced a robust initiative on Saturday aimed at promoting gender equality and fostering inclusivity within the aviation sector. The DGCA, a regulatory body overseeing safety, air transport services, and airworthiness standards, introduced this framework during the ‘Women in Aviation’ India Awards ceremony, themed ‘Giving Wings to Dreams 2023.’
Dutt, addressing the audience, disclosed the initiation of brainstorming sessions to understand the perspectives and challenges faced by women officers in the aviation sector. This introspective approach has paved the way for ongoing thought processes, with plans to unveil a comprehensive framework early next year that transcends mere paperwork and official circulars.
Emphasizing the DGCA’s pivotal role in influencing positive change within the private sector, Dutt welcomed collaboration and suggestions from the aviation community. This strategic initiative by DGCA marks a significant step toward gender inclusivity in Indian aviation, with the regulator poised to lead by example by implementing substantive measures to reshape the industry’s landscape. To further this commitment, the DGCA has formed a four-member committee tasked with providing suggestions for achieving gender equality in the aviation sector.
Chief Guest Gen (Dr) VK Singh (retd), Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Road Transport and Highways, applauded the efforts of women in the aviation sector at the ‘Women in Aviation’ event. Singh acknowledged India’s global leadership in having the highest percentage of women pilots at 15%, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to reduce the gender gap in the industry. Radha Bhatia, President of Women in Aviation India, highlighted the achievements, including the increasing percentage of women in aviation and hospitality. She called for stakeholder unity to support education and training for girls aspiring to enter the industry, especially as India emerges as a major global aviation market.
