Deuba holds discussions with  PM and NC lawmakers regarding aviation safety

KATHMANDU, Aug 5: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and other NC lawmakers discussed the country’s aviation safety along with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. 

During the meeting held at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar on Sunday, discussions were held on contemporary issues, including passing the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) bill, related to aviation security regulations through parliament, according to NC lawmaker Rajendra Bajgai.  

The Prime Minister and the NC leaders discussed the development and promotion of tourism by making the aviation sector safe and reliable. 

Lawmaker Bajgai further said, "When CAAN  acts as both a service provider and a regulator, there is a high probability for conflicts of interest to arise. Thus, creating a single body responsible for constructing airports and allowing aircraft operations does not align with international aviation rules. It is important to split CAAN into two separate bodies for service and regulation to strengthen and ensure the reliability of aviation security”.

The European Union (EU) is also concerned about Nepal's aviation safety and it also suggested separating the regulatory bodies.  The discussion was attended by NC President Deuba, Deputy General Secretary Jeevan Pariyar, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, and MPs Ishwari Neupane, Sanjay Gautam, Udaya Shamsher Rana, Rajan KC, Pratima Gautam, Rajendra Bajgai, Sarita Prasai, Ramkrishna Yadav, Pushpa Bahadur Shahi, Shanti Pariyar, Sita Mijar, and others.

According to Bajgai, the bill to divide the CAAN into two separate bodies was passed by the National Assembly earlier. However, it remained inert after not being presented to the House of Representatives. The bill proposed creating separate bodies for regulatory operations and service provision.