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Thewire - In-Passengers With Disabilities Pose Higher Security Risk Says Aviation Authority
Thewire - In-Passengers With Disabilities Pose Higher Security Risk Says Aviation Authority
Aviation Authority
thewire.in/64487/rti-aviation-security-disability/
06/09/2016
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has also blocked full body scanners that would
decrease harassment faced by persons with disabilities at airport security checks.
New Delhi: Millions of passengers at airports across India go through pat-down security checks, often leading to
delays and harassment, especially for persons with disabilities. An RTI application filed by a disability rights activist
has now revealed why this is the case, even though technology exists that makes it unnecessary. Not only does
the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) regard passengers with disabilities as a higher security risk but the
agency has also been responsible for blocking the introduction of disabled-friendly safe full body scanners since it
is still exploring its feasibility at Indian airports keeping in view the privacy (issues) and health hazards from
radiation.
BCAS, which is the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in India and comes under the ministry of civil
aviation, appears to have not taken into account the fact that many nations, including the US, have shifted to the
use of new technology at airports for reducing scanning time and inconvenience to the passengers.
The agencys role has come to light in response to an RTI application filed by Satendra Singh, an associate
professor of physiology at the University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi. In its response to a
set of questions posed by him, BCAS stated that the security scenario in India is not the same as that of America.
When asked about the perceived radiation hazard and whether they had received any recommendations from the
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) on the use of non-ionising millimetre wave technology at airports in
India, BCAS initially cited security concerns for not answering this question.
But when Singh filed a first and second appeal with the Central Information Commission (CIC), stating that the
matter needs to be decided in light of the constitutional mandate of the RTI Act, the bureau conceded that the
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Section 4.7 of this document dealt with Procedure for persons with special needs and screening of the disabled/
handicapped, sick passengers, etc.
Singh said he was surprised to learn how the
security agencies view persons with disabilities.
Calling such passengers a high security risk, the
document said screeners should be thoroughly
briefed that the possibility of carrying weapons/
explosives and other dangerous materials
through such passengers is higher than a
normal passenger and therefore, these
passengers need to be checked with care.
(emphasis added)
It also noted that the checking of such
passengers should be thorough and the
supervisor should also satisfy himself that the
passenger can be cleared for boarding.
The rules also state that there is no scope for
leniency in respect of invalid/disabled/sick
persons during the pre-embarkation screening /
procedures. On the contrary, there is ample
reason to be more alert and wary.
Averring that this restricted document clearly
highlights malice towards disabled passengers,
Singh said the use of new technology is needed
to end such discrimination.
Extracts from Restricted note on airport security warning of handicapped persons
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