Government Plans to Transform State into Drone Industry Hub

The government aims to position the state as a key player in the drone industry within the next five years.

During this period, it plans to attract investments totaling ₹2,000 crore and achieve a revenue target of ₹6,000 crore from this sector.

The initiative is expected to train over 20,000 youth as drone pilots and create employment opportunities for at least 30,000 people.

To facilitate this, a draft drone policy has been formulated, which will be in effect for five years.

This policy will be discussed at the National Drone Summit on the 22nd and 23rd of this month.

The domestic drone market is anticipated to grow by 22.65 percent in the next four years, and the government is committed to developing this sector to meet that demand.

In addition to expanding drone services across various departments, a drone city will be developed in one area of the state to international standards.

Creation of Facilities:

Integrated Testing Facility

Center of Excellence

Incubation Center

Co-working Spaces

Living Facilities

Research and Development Centres

Objectives for Human Resource Development:

Training of 20,000 drone pilots

Encouragement of IT application development

Increased emphasis on aeronautical engineering

Training of over 500 self-help groups (SHGs) in drone maintenance and repair

Employment for 30,000 people

Integration of drone technology into university curricula

State Share Objectives in the Commercial Market:

25 percent of drone innovation

50 percent in the manufacturing sector

80 percent in testing

20 percent in Drones as a Service (DAAS)

Development of skilled human resources

Model of Drone City:

The government has designed a model to establish satellite centers throughout the drone city, based on trade and connectivity. It is expected to include innovation labs and incubation centers. Key components include:

Providing training and certifications

Establishing a technology ecosystem for using drones in agriculture, medicine, surveys, and other vital sectors

Creating assembly units for drones and repair/maintenance centers

Setting up labs and incubation centers in major educational institutions and universities

Offering support for establishing seed companies

Integrating drone technology into education to supply skilled manpower for the industry

Encouraging innovation

Objectives for Expanding the Sector:

Increasing the use of drones for services provided by government departments within the year

Establishing drone testing facilities in the state by 2025 to attract manufacturing companies

Implementing a single-window approach for permissions

Encouraging technology transfer by attracting foreign investment

Major Areas Where Drones Are Used:

Land survey and mapping

Agriculture

Cinema and photography

Inspections and maintenance of infrastructure

Law enforcement monitoring

Regulatory Changes:

Simplifying the 25 rules governing drone operation to just 5

Allowing online applications for activities

Limiting the maximum penalty for rule violations

Relaxing rules for items weighing between 300 kg and 500 kg

Eliminating the need for security clearances for registration and licenses

Permitting drone use in Green Zones without a permit; permits are required in Red and Yellow Zones.

Incentives in the State:

Capital investment and tax exemption incentives for joint ventures focusing on technology transfer

Additional Production Linked Incentives (PLI) provided by the State Government (3 percent/4 percent/5 percent under the Central Government PLI scheme)

Tax exemptions on specified expenses or internet costs for a defined period

Incubation facilities and reimbursement for participation in national and international events

Tax deductions for research and development (R&D) expenses

Maximum incentives for DAAS players to encourage drone use, provided by the central government

25 percent concession on capital investment up to ₹25 crores

Exemption from stamp duty

A reduced electricity tariff

Product-Based Incentives (PLI) at 3/4/5 percent on net sales for three years

Additional PLI benefits from the State Government

Incentives for demonstrating use cases.