Draft National Air Sports Policy (NASP 2022): The Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen. Dr. V K Singh recently informed Rajya Sabha that the Government has prepared a draft National Air Sports Policy (NASP 2022).
Key Points:
- NASP 2022 has been prepared to promote air sports in the country.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation had released a draft National Air Sports Policy (NASP) for public feedback.
- The Government has received the feedback and is now examining the comments on draft National Air Sports Policy.
- Under the policy, domestic design, development and manufacturing of air sports equipment will be promoted in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
About Draft National Air Sports Policy (NASP):
- The main purpose of NASP 2022 is to make India one of the top air sports nations by 2030.
- The mission is to provide a safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable and sustainable air sports ecosystem in India.
- It covers sports like aerobatics, aeromodelling, amateur-built and experimental aircraft, ballooning, drones, gliding, hang gliding and paragliding; microlighting and paramotoring; skydiving and vintage aircraft.
- It seeks to leverage India’s huge potential for air sports given its large geographical expanse, diverse topography and fair weather conditions.
Objectives of NASP:
The main objectives of NASP are as follows
- Promotion of air sports culture in the country
- Adoption of international best practices in air sports.
- Development of India as a preferred global hub for air sports.
- Development of effective governance structure.
- Enhancement of participation of Indian sportspersons in global air sports events.
- Promotion of design, development and manufacturing of air sports equipment in India.
Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI):
- An Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI) will be established as the apex governing body.
- Associations for each air sport will handle day to day activities e.g. Paragliding Association of India or Skydiving Association of India etc.
- The air sports associations shall be accountable to ASFI with respect to the regulatory oversight and for providing safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable and sustainable conduct of their respective air sport.
- It will represent India at FAI and other global platforms related to air sports.
- All competitions in India will be conducted as per the guidelines laid down by FAI.
- Greater participation and success of Indian sportspersons in global air sports events will be facilitated.
About FAI:
- The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) is the world governing body for air sports.
- It is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Penal Action:
- Air sports by their very nature involve a higher level of risk than flying a regular aircraft and NASP 2022 places strong focus on ensuring international best practices in safety.
- Therefore, ASFI will take penal action in form of financial penalties, dismissal or suspension, against air sports association, in case they are not able to enforce safety standards.
Funding:
- Long-term funding for the development of air sports in India shall come from sponsors, corporate investors, membership fees, events and media rights.
- ASFI can also seek financial support from the Government of India (GoI) for the promotion of air sports, especially in the initial years.
GST on Air Sports equipment:
- To make air sports affordable to the common public, the GoI will request the GST Council to consider rationalizing the GST rate on-air sports equipment to 5% or less.