DGCA Mandates Airlines to Seat Children Under 12 with Parents

In a move to enhance family travel experiences and address growing concerns, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced new guidelines requiring airlines to allocate seats for children under the age of 12 alongside at least one parent or guardian during flights. This regulation comes in response to incidents where young children were not seated with their accompanying adults, particularly when traveling in larger groups. The DGCA emphasized the importance of ensuring children's safety and comfort during air travel by maintaining proximity to their caregivers. The practice of separating young travelers from their accompanying adults due to unpaid seat selection fees has been a point of contention among passengers, leading to frustrations and dissatisfaction. The new DGCA regulation aims to tackle this issue by ensuring that children traveling with their families in larger groups are seated together with at least one parent or guardian, thereby eliminating the need for additional payments solely for seat allocation. According to the DGCA's directive issued on Tuesday, airlines must ensure that children aged 12 and below are assigned seats with a parent or guardian listed under the same Passenger Name Record (PNR), with records kept to verify compliance with this requirement. Additionally, the Air Transport Circular (ATC)-01 of 2024 permits scheduled airlines to charge supplementary fees for various services such as zero baggage allowance, preferential seating, meal options, snacks, beverages, and transporting musical instruments. Passengers are given the choice to opt for these services at their discretion. This guideline follows concerns raised by Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh on November 10 last year regarding airlines charging separate fees for seat selection during web check-in, labeling this practice as misleading and potentially constituting an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. In response to these concerns, Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam clarified on November 30 that airlines are permitted to charge for "preferential seats" during web check-in as per existing regulations. The DGCA's latest mandate represents a positive step towards enhancing customer satisfaction and ensuring a more comfortable and secure travel experience for families, particularly those traveling with young children. By prioritizing family seating arrangements, the aviation industry aims to create a more accommodating and family-friendly environment on flights.

A Safer Tomorrow: 'Suraksha Aur Sammaan' and the Quest for Child Safety

The 'Suraksha Aur Sammaan' project, implemented by the Learning Space Foundation, is making significant strides in transforming child safety and empowering both children and adults. How is this initiative effectively addressing the issue of child sexual abuse? Through a comprehensive program, the Learning Space Foundation educates children on identifying, avoiding, and disclosing sexual abuse, while also providing self-defense training. The project, which spans five months, aims to equip children with essential skills to protect themselves. By incorporating personal safety skills into their curriculum, the foundation ensures that children understand the concepts of good touch and bad touch, enabling them to safeguard themselves from potential harm. Recognizing the importance of adult involvement in child safety, the foundation expanded its mission to include adult education through the 'Sreyobhilashi' program. This initiative provides training to parents, teachers, police personnel, hostel wardens, and individuals working in childcare homes and NGOs. The six-hour program covers various topics, including child rights, myths surrounding child sexual abuse, grooming behaviors, and recognizing and reporting abuse. The impact of the 'Suraksha Aur Sammaan' project has been significant, reaching out to 21,000 children and 34,000 adults across different states in India, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Kerala. By raising awareness, providing education, and reducing the stigma associated with child sexual abuse, the Learning Space Foundation aims to create a safer environment for children. As the initiative continues to gain momentum, it highlights the crucial role of adults in preventing and protecting children from abuse. By equipping both children and adults with knowledge and skills, the 'Suraksha Aur Sammaan' project is transforming child safety and fostering a culture of empowerment and protection.