NEW DELHI: This is possibly the worst kept oldest secret of Indian aviation — officials of the regulatory agency conducting checks or deciding on airlines, airports and other agencies where their close relatives are employed. Whether it was/is senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials whose children were/are pilots or in other positions, it used to be a cosy club of those checking and those being checked.
However, for the first time a formal attempt has been made to check this issue by the DGCA chief Arun Kumar who on Wednesday issued a written order asking officials to avoid “conflict of interest” situations. Kumar has warned of strict action against employees who indulge in such practices.
“Avoidance of ‘conflict of interest’ is a sine qua non of good governance. Instances of DGCA officers participating in meetings/spot checks have come to notice in which this golden rule has been given a go-bye.
