DGCA continues to face 50 pc manpower shortage; to recruit short-term staff

According to the latest response given by Mohol in the Rajya Sabha, the total sanctioned posts in DGCA are 1,630, out of which only 829 posts are filled. However, despite the reduced workforce, the government claimed that there has been no impact on air safety inspection and monitoring.

Short-term staff

Also, the minister said that India is planning to appoint short-term contractual staff at DGCA, which is facing a severe shortage of manpower at a time when the country's aviation market is expanding rapidly.

“...to meet the requirement in the interregnum, efforts are made to recruit persons through short term contractual hiring. Regular efforts are made to address and augment technical manpower shortage, enhanced training and succession planning,” Mohol said in a written response to the upper house of Parliament.

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Depending on the post or nature of work, short-term appointments could be for one year. The appointments are generally made directly by the aviation regulator.

Matter of serious concern: Expert

Meanwhile, speaking to The Federal about the shortage of workforce in the DGCA, aviation expert Harsh Vardhan said that the DGCA has long been struggling with inadequate manpower because it still operates on old standards. Meanwhile, the country has witnessed a rapid surge in aviation activity, and in such a situation, the lack of sufficient staff with the regulator is a matter of serious concern.

Harsh Vardhan explained that in a highly technical organisation like the DGCA, it takes up to five years to fully skill and train new hires. During this period, senior employees are also retiring. In such circumstances, it is essential to ensure that the department has an adequate number of trained staff so that aviation security remains strong and effective.

Workforce shortage flagged

On December 1, Mohol was replying to a question posed by Rajya Sabha member Ashok Kumar Mittal, on why DGCA was functioning at less than 50 per cent capacity despite increasing air travel and security threats.

The minister was also asked what impact the staff shortage had on airline inspections, safety audits, and action? What steps has the government taken to bring the DGCA in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation's international standards, and what impact has the staff shortage had on international agencies?

Further, he had asked if the government has any long-term plans to strengthen the DGCA?

DGCA not affected: Mohol

According to Mohol, the DGCA has been working with less than half its capacity for a long time but despite the huge staff shortage, the regulator's safety inspections have not been affected.

The government informed the House that 441 new positions have been created over the past three years, as part of the DGCA's restructuring. Despite its reduced staffing, the DGCA regularly implements its monitoring and inspection plans every year, and these plans are publicly available on its website.

The minister said they have challenges filling up the posts as applicants are not joining the department. Many times despite advertising, posts remain vacant due to reasons such as few candidates, selected candidates fail to join or lack of eligible candidates for promotion.

In such circumstances, temporary or contract employees are recruited if required. Group A officers in DGCA are recruited through UPSC (Union Public Services Commission) and Group B and C officers are recruited through SSC (Staff Selection Commission). The government is trying to complete all the recruitment processes quickly.

Mohol told the House that continuous steps are being taken to increase the technical staff, train employees and strengthen the long-term capabilities of the DGCA so that it can function in accordance with international aviation standards.