New Delhi, July 11 : India plans to set up a new regulator for the aviation sector -- the Civil Aviation Authority -- that will replace the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday gave “in-principle” approval to the civil aviation ministry's proposal to set up the new regulator.

Addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said the government would introduce a bill in the upcoming monsoon session of parliament.

He said the proposed regulatory authority would have a chairperson, a director general and seven to nine members, including five whole-time members.

The authority's chairperson, director general as well as the members will be appointed by the Union government on the recommendation of a selection panel headed by the cabinet secretary.

The Civil Aviation Authority will be responsible for ensuring safety and regulating the Indian civil aviation sector. (IANS)