Lok Sabha Question No. 271 (STARRED), answered on 2020-03-12
Subject: Random Drug Testing
Ministry: CIVIL AVIATION
Asked by: Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, DNV Senthilkumar. S.

*271.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL A VIATION LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. : 271

(To be answered on the

March 2020)

## RANDOM DRUG TESTING

DR. SUBHASH RAMRAO BHAMRE DR. DNV SENTHILKUMAR $.

## Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION

be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued directions to flight crew and air traffic controllers (ATCOs) to undergo random testing for the consumption of ten psychoactive substances and if the details thereof and the aims and objectives behind the move; drug
- (c) whether DGCA conducts regular breath analyzer checks on aviation staff to detect alcohol content in the body and if the number of cases of violation registered during the last three years and the action taken against the delinquent aviation staff? SO,
- () the details of the action to be taken by the DGCA in case of a pilot o ATCO is tested positive in the drug test and subsequent test; and

## ANSWER

Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of CIVIL A VIATION

(Shri Hardeep Singh Puri)

(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House

Statement referred in reply to Part () to (c) of Lok Sabha Starred Ques. No 271 regarding "Random Testing" to be answered 0n 12.03.2020. Drug

- (@) Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued Draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section-5, Series-F Part-V in February 2020 under the provisions of Rule 24 0f the Aircraft Rules; 1937 prescribing the procedure for examination 0f the flight crew and air traffic controllers (ATCO) for detection of provisions of ICAO Annex-1.
- () The actions to be taken by DGCA which have been provided for in the draft CAR include the following:
- (i) Iz case of positive confirmatory test for the first time; the concerned employee shall undergo de-addiction/ rehabilitation programme and will return to active duties after again having undergone the tests for the consumption 0f the Psychoactive substancez clearance by treating Psychiatrist and the certification by the Chief Medical Officer of the concerned organization;
- (i) In case the screening test is positive; the employee shall be immediately removed from the safety sensitive duty till a confirmatory report is received
- (iii) In case : person who has returned to safety sensitive duties after having been tested positive and is again found positive in the confirmatory test ie the second occasion, license of such person shall be cancelled
- breath analyzer examination %f crew members and aircraft maintenance personnel conduct breath analyzer test and report violation to DGCA. The details Of violation of last three years are as follows:

Action on each of the violation were taken as per provisions of CAR Section 5 Series F Part III:

year

No. of Violation

2017

254

2018

256

2019

244

48

Further; DGCA has also issued CAR section-5, Series-F\_ Part-IV Issue I dated I6;09.2019 mandating breath analyzer examination for Air Traffic Controllees Flight Dispatchers; Aircraft Maintenance personnel, Aerodrome operation personnel, Fire and rescue personnel, Vehicle drivers (including catering and Tefueling vehicles) ground equipment operators and ground handiing eersenned: The details of violations under this CAR are as follows:

Action on each of the violation were taken as per provisions of CAR Section 5 Series F Part IV.

year

No. of Violation

2019

97

2020(till Feb)

81