TestCloud
Prep • Practice • Perform
Log In

Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Unveils Electronic Personnel License for Pilots.

National | Dated: 24 Feb 2025

In February 2025, Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, a digital version of the traditional personnel license, replacing physical licenses. This initiative aims to modernize and enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of India's civil aviation sector.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - With this launch, India became the second country globally, after China, to implement EPL, following approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations (UN) agency in Montreal, Canada.
  • - Pilot Ishita Bhargava, a 22-year-old woman from Jabalpur, became the first pilot in India to receive the Electronic Personnel License (EPL).
  • - EPL will be securely accessible through the electronic-Governance of Civil Aviation (eGCA) Mobile Application. This initiative aligns with the Government of India's (GOI) "Ease of Doing Business" (EoDB) and "Digital India Initiatives" (DII).

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) The launch of EPL follows ICAO's Amendment 178 to Annex 1 Personnel Licensing, which encourages Member States to adopt electronic licenses.
  • (ii) EPL will phase out printed cards, reducing paper and plastic usage, contributing to environmental sustainability. It provides real-time access to credentials, enhancing global job opportunities for Indian pilots.
  • (iii) The DGCA had previously issued 62,000 smart card licenses, with the requirement for printed cards in 2024 standing at approximately 20,000.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which Union Minister launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots?

Correct Answer: Rammohan Naidu

🚀 Quick Recap: