DGCA officers want their own service for job growth, perks

A DGCA OFFICER SAID IN OTHER MINISTRIES, EVEN IF PROMOTIONS DON’T HAPPEN, OFFICERS EVENTUALLY GET THE SALARY OF THE NEXT GRADE

NEWDELHI: Officers at India’s civil aviation regulator want a service of their own, the Indian Civil Aviation Service, because they claim this will ensure their salaries and career progression are on par with officers of organised Group A services of other ministries. About 150 of the 400 staff working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have submitted a representation to the ministry demanding what is called a Group A central service.

The officers have written about the boom in aviation, but also stagnant career prospects, leading to demotivation.

“The career growth of DGCA officers in various directorates is stagnating for many years at different levels inevitably resulting in demotivation and discrimination. In spite of putting in more effort in the ever expanding field of aviation, there is wide disparity in pay progression and promotions between officers of DGCA and officers of Organised Group A services of other ministries,” read the representation submitted to the ministry.

According to The International Air Transport Association (IATA), India’s domestic market posted the fastest full-year domestic growth rate (across markets) for the fourth consecutive year, with an 18.6% annual demand increase.