BCAS to simplify norms, processes; improve ease of doing biz for stakeholders

New Delhi: Regulator BCAS is taking measures to simplify norms and processes, including allowing flexible planning of commercial space use by airport operators and moving its functions to an online system, as it seeks to improve the ease of doing business in the fast-growing civil aviation sector.

Announcing the measures on Thursday, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Director General Rajesh Nirwan said the endeavour is to be more predictable with regulations.

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Currently, the watchdog issues security clearance for nine categories.

They are Authorised Agents, Ground Handlers, Catering, Concessionaires, Regulated Agents, Auxiliary Service Providers, FBOs, Private Security Agencies and Fuel Farms.

In a significant move, BCAS will have one security clearance for all the categories instead of the current requirement of fresh security clearance for each category.

At a briefing in the national capital, Nirwan said the processing time for applications will be reduced, and one security clearance would be valid for five years.

The security clearance would be category and contract agnostic.

Clearance would not be withheld on expiry of a contract provided the application seeking approval was made during the contract period.

There would also be an open house every Tuesday at BCAS regional offices to facilitate applicants.

These steps would provide predictable clearance for airport businesses, Nirwan said.

With respect to security vetting, the BCAS chief said the approvals would be done within the prescribed timelines.

There would also be monitoring of pending applications by higher offices.

To ensure a lesser compliance burden, BCAS approval would soon be required only for security-related elements at an airport.

The airport operators would have the option of flexible planning of commercial space within the prescribed limits.

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At present, BCAS approval is required for commercial area allocation and seating, among others.

Further, a change of commercial activity would be allowed within the approved area, and the overall move would ensure that non-security decisions are with the airport operators.

As part of improving the ease of doing business, the process for issuance of Airport Entry Pass (AEP) will be made online and will be based on facial biometrics recorded online, replacing the current practice of collecting fingerprints in person.

Every year, Nirwan said around 15,00,000 AEPs are issued at airports across the country.

These initiatives will be done through a portal that is expected to be rolled out this month.

Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said the ministry is making various efforts for the ease of doing business and to resolve issues within a definite time frame.

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