Why in news?

• Indian government is considering the creation of a unified security force for all airports in the country which will also combine immigration and customs.
  • This will be created along the lines of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S.
• This issue was also raised at the recently held 37th Raising Day of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

What’s in today’s article?

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
• News Summary

What is Transportation Security Administration (TSA)?

• TSA is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for ensuring the security of the country's transportation systems.
• It was established in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, with the primary goal of enh ancing aviation security.

What are the functions of the TSA?

• Security responsibilities
  • The TSA's responsibilities include the screening of passengers, baggage, and cargo at airports, as well as the implementation of security measures for other modes of transportation such as railroads, buses, and ships.
  • The agency also develops and implements security procedures and technologies, trains transportation security officers, and works with international partners to improve security measures.
• Facilitation of travel
  • The agency works to ensure that passengers are able to move efficiently through security checkpoints, and provides information and assistance to travellers.

What is Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)?

• About
  • BCAS is a regulatory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in India.
    • It was initially set up as a Cell in the DGCA in January 1978 on the recommendation of the Pande Committee.
    • Later, in 1987, It was reorganized into an independent department under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
  • The main responsibilities include laying down standards and measures with respect to security of civil flights at international and domestic airports in India.
• Objective
  • To ensure the safety and security of passengers, crew, and airport personnel, as well as the security of aircraft and airport facilities.
  • It works in close collaboration with other aviation security agencies and international organizations to enhance the security standards in Indian aviation.

News Summary: Government mulls unified airport security

• India is considering the creation of a unified security force for all airports in the country - along the lines of the TSA of the U.S.
• The concept has received a green flag from PM Modi during the annual Director General of Police conference held in January 2023.

Why India wants to create security architecture for its airports along the lines of the TSA?

• Increased Threats
  • India should have a seamless security system across all 148 airports, which will grow to 220 airports in the next three to four years.
  • While the Central Industrial Security Force is deployed at 66 out of the current 148 airports to carry out security functions, State police oversee security at the remaining airports.
• Seamless coordination with a multitude of agencies
  • In a fast-growing aviation market, a robust system is needed in India.
    • India is pegged to be the third largest aviation market in the world by 2024.
    • It is already the third largest domestic aviation market after the U.S. and China.
    • It is also the world’s fastest growing market at 9%, though it accounts for only 2% of the global passenger traffic.
  • However, today, coordination with a multitude of agencies becomes difficult.
    • The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, which is the security watchdog for civil aviation, falls under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
    • The Central Industrial Security Force, which guards the airports, falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs, as does the Bureau of Immigration.
    • The Customs department falls under the Finance Ministry.
  • Once the proposed system becomes functional, all stakeholders would be on a common platform.
• Integrating functions
  • The move would also help in integrating policy, regulations and implementation by bringing them under one body.
  • Today, for instance, if the BCAS frames regulations for aviation, the implementation body is either the CISF or the airports.
  • Airports, which have to procure security infrastructure, have often cited financial constraints and delayed upgradation.
  • The proposal for a unified agency means it will also be tasked to buy security infrastructure such as x-ray machines and full body scanners.