Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)

April 28, 2023

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is the national regulatory body for civil aviation security in India. It recently commemorated its raising day.

A Brief History of BCAS

The BCAS was established as a Cell in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in January 1978 following the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in September 1976. The primary role of the cell was to manage and train personnel on Civil Aviation Security matters. In April 1987, the BCAS became an independent department under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in response to the Kanishka Tragedy in June 1985.

Responsibilities of BCAS

One of the key duties of BCAS is to create aviation security standards in compliance with Annex 17 to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s Chicago Convention for airlines and airport operators, as well as their security agencies, responsible for implementing AVSEC measures. The BCAS also monitors the implementation of security regulations and carries out assessments to determine security requirements. The bureau ensures that security staff receives appropriate training and necessary competencies to perform their duties.

In addition, BCAS is responsible for coordinating and planning aviation security matters, including conducting surprise and dummy checks to evaluate the proficiency and alertness of security personnel. The bureau also conducts mock exercises to test the effectiveness of contingency plans and the operational preparedness of various agencies.

37th Raising Day Commemoration in New Delhi

Recently, BCAS celebrated its 37th raising day in New Delhi. During the inaugural session of the two-day program, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Gen. Dr. V.K. Singh (Retd.), presented awards to the best screeners in different categories. The Minister also conferred awards on BCAS officers with the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service on Republic Day 2022 and the Police Medal for meritorious service on Republic Day 2023. The Secretary MoCA, Shri Rajiv Bansal, and the DG BCAS, Shri Zulfiquar Hasan, also addressed the program, emphasizing the importance of security in the aviation sector and BCAS’s role in making aviation zero error.

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