Mumbai: The grounding of five aircraft by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sparked a fresh political debate on aviation safety standards. The regulator acted against VSR-operated planes after identifying maintenance irregularities and compliance gaps during inspections. The aircraft will remain grounded until required airworthiness norms are fully restored, officials confirmed.
Reacting strongly to the development, Rohit Pawar, MLA of the Nationalist Congress Party, questioned whether the action taken so far is sufficient to ensure public safety.
“Trust Is Placed in Both Airline and Regulator”
Speaking to the media, Pawar underlined that aviation safety cannot be viewed as the sole responsibility of airline operators.
“Passengers do not only rely on the company. They believe that the regulator has verified that everything is technically sound before allowing a flight to operate,” he said.
He emphasized that public confidence in air travel depends on the assumption that oversight authorities conduct rigorous checks before issuing airworthiness certifications.
Call for Broader Accountability
While acknowledging that airline management bears responsibility for operational compliance, Pawar pointed out that final certification falls under the DGCA’s jurisdiction.
“If any doubt arises about air safety, both the company and the regulator must share responsibility,” he stated.
Referring to the regulator’s order citing maintenance deficiencies, Pawar questioned whether grounding only five aircraft adequately addresses the issue. “If negligence is detected in some planes, how can we be sure there are no concerns in others?” he asked.
Suggestion of Stricter Measures
Taking a firm stand, the MLA suggested that regulators should consider wider action if systemic lapses are suspected.
“If someone wants to take strict action, then the entire company should be grounded,” he remarked, arguing that partial steps may not fully resolve deeper operational issues.
Wider Safety Concerns
Pawar also pointed out that chartered aircraft are often used by prominent personalities, including political leaders, business figures, sportspersons, and film actors. “If something happens in the future, who will be accountable?” he questioned, stressing that preventive oversight is critical.
Focus on Transparency and Vigilance
Concluding his remarks, Pawar said aviation authorities must adopt uncompromising standards. “Safety cannot be selective. It must be absolute,” he said, adding that visible and transparent enforcement is key to maintaining public trust.
