The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to the proposal for setting up of a National Aviation University (NAU) in the name of Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University at the District of Rae Bareli in the State of U.P. as a Central University.

            The Cabinet also approved the proposal to introduce the Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University Bill, 2013 in the Parliament; to create a post of Vice Chancellor (with pay scales on the pattern of Central Universities) by selection through a Search and Selection Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary with members representing Ministries of Civil Aviation, Personnel & Training and Human Resource Development and for creation of a temporary post in the grade of Joint secretary to Government of India for the position of Project Director which would be filled up on deputation basis.

            The 'Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University' will be established as a Central University and as an autonomous body under the administrative control of Ministry of Civil Aviation in Rae Bareli District of U.P. with an estimated Central Government's funding of Rs. 202 crore in Phase-l (2013-14 to 2018-19) on the land available with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy (IGRUA), a Society set up as an autonomous body under Ministry of Civil Aviation) in Rae Bareli District of U.P.  About 26.35 acres of land available with IGRUA has been identified for setting up of NAU in its first phase.

            A skilled and competent workforce is essential to create a safe and efficient aviation industry. Despite existence of a large number of private institutions in India that provide aviation education and training, there is general consensus amongst stakeholders that the number of programmes offered, depth of course content and infrastructure facilities available with them are not sufficient to meet the industry requirements.  It is therefore, necessary to establish National Aviation University to cater to the growing educational and training requirements of the civil aviation sector.

            The National Aviation University aims to facilitate and promote aviation studies, teaching, training and research with focus on emerging areas of studies such as aviation management, aviation regulation and policy, aviation history, aviation science and engineering, aviation law, aviation safety and security, aviation medicine, search and rescue, transportation of dangerous goods, environmental studies and other related fields, and also to achieve excellence in these and connected fields in emerging areas and such areas as may emerge in future.  The University will also be a knowledge partner to safety and security regulators by providing required academic inputs to help them execute their enforcement responsibility better.

Background

             In 2006, the Kaw Committee had recommended setting up of a National Aviation University in India. The 12th Five Year Plan Document has also made a similar recommendation to augment qualified and trained manpower for aviation sector in India. Based on a Detailed Project Report submitted by Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Planning Commission granted "In Principle Approval" for setting up of National Aviation University in India.

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