Air sports like aerobatics, aero modelling, amateur-built and experimental aircraft, ballooning, drones gliding, hang gliding are to be promoted under NASP

New Delhi: In order to promote air sports in the country, the Government has prepared a draft National Air Sports Policy (NASP 2022). The draft policy was released on 01 January 2022 for public comments and last date for submitting the feedback was 31 January 2022. The Government is examining the comments received.

As per the draft NASP 2022, some of the measures envisaged to make India a global hub for air sports are as follows:

The policy will cover most of the air sports like aerobatics, aero modelling, amateur-built and experimental aircraft, ballooning, drones gliding, hang gliding and paragliding micro-lighting and Para-motoring skydiving and vintage aircraft.

The Government may develop a simple, stakeholder-friendly and effective governance structure with significant involvement of air sports experts.

In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, domestic design, development and manufacturing of air sports equipment will be promoted.

Government will endeavour to enhance the participation of Indians in global air sports events.

Schools, colleges and universities will be encouraged to have air sports included in their curriculum.

For the year 2021-22, a sum of Rs. One crore has been allocated to promote air sports in the country. Once NASP 2022 is finalised and the proposed Air Sports Federation of India (ASFI) is constituted, the Government may release the funds based on need and justification.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry Of Civil Aviation (Gen (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today