Centre Yet To Appoint New Civil Aviation Security Chief Amid Rising Hoax Bomb Threats
Centre Yet To Appoint New Civil Aviation Security Chief Amid Rising Hoax Bomb Threats
The Indian government is yet to appoint a new chief of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), despite the current Director General, Zulfiquar Hasan, set to retire on October 31. This vacancy comes at a critical time, as India’s airlines have faced over 300 hoax bomb threats in October alone, disrupting flight operations and resulting in significant losses.
The BCAS plays a vital role in responding to such threats, and its chief has been part of key meetings with the civil aviation minister, home secretary, and other agency heads. Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow have been on high alert due to these threats, highlighting the need for effective leadership in aviation security.
The vacancy in the top post is not the only concern; the joint director general (JDG) position has also been empty for over 10 months. The JDG serves as the chief’s deputy and works from BCAS headquarters in New Delhi. The last JDG, Jaideep Prasad, was repatriated to his parent cadre, Madhya Pradesh police, last year.
A senior IPS officer noted that if a new chief is not appointed by Wednesday, a serving DG from a paramilitary force may be given temporary charge of BCAS. This would be a stopgap measure, as the BCAS requires a permanent leader to address the growing security concerns.
The BCAS and the civil aviation ministry are reviewing security protocols to address hoax bomb threats. The agency is responsible for prescribing security measures, laying Aviation Security Standards, and planning and coordinating aviation security matters.
As the country faces an unprecedented number of hoax bomb threats, the urgent appointment of a new BCAS chief is essential to maintain national aviation security. The government must prioritize this appointment to ensure the safety of Indian skies and prevent further disruptions to air travel.
The delay in appointment has raised concerns among aviation security experts, who stress the importance of effective leadership in addressing emerging threats. With the retirement of the current DG imminent, the government must act swiftly to fill the vacancy and ensure continuity in aviation security.
