RCS Helping Create An Ecosystem

The policy sets out to establish an integrated ecosystem which will lead to significant growth of civil aviation sector, which in turn would promote tourism, increase employment and lead to a balanced regional growth.

- R.Chandrakanth

In 2014, the BharatIya Janata Party (BJP) in its election manifesto stated that it would modernise existing and operational airports and build new ones especially connecting smaller towns and all tourism circuits. In addition, it said there is potential for inland air transportation to various remote locations in the country. Such airstrips will be developed so that low-cost air travelling becomes possible within the country. True to its word, the BJP-led NDA Government is working towards fulfilling its election manifesto with particular reference to aviation. The broad swathe of reforms it has been unravelling over the past two years is indicative of the fact that the government is truly interested in inclusive development.

RCS OBJECTIVE, ENHANCING REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY

The latest testimonial to that fact is the announcement on July 1, 2016, of the draft Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) which was open for suggestions/comments by stakeholders till July 22, 2016. The final policy is due soon and will be in conjunction with the earlier announced National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 (NCAP). One of the objectives is to “enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development.” The policy sets out to “establish an integrated ecosystem which will lead to significant growth of civil aviation sector, which in turn would promote tourism, increase employment and lead to a balanced regional growth.”

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