New Delhi: Minister of State, Civil Aviation, Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd), in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Thursday, said that since the notification of Drone Rules, 2021, as many as 63 Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTO) have been approved by the DGCA for providing drone training/skilling across the country.
“Till date, these training schools have certified more than 5500 Remote Pilot Certificates (RPCs). As of date, a total of 10010 drones are registered with a Unique Identification Number (UIN). The DGCA has issued 25 type certificates till date for drones manufacturing in India,” he informed.
The Government has notified the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components with the objective to incentivise the manufacturing of drones and drone components in India so as to make them self-sustaining and globally competitive. The drone import policy was notified on February 9, 2022, banning the import of foreign drones and freeing up the import of drone components. The drone rules have been liberalised to facilitate wider application of drones.
Given the combined benefits of the liberalised Drone Rules, 2021, the PLI scheme, the prohibition of drone imports, and growing utilisation, the Indian drone industry is likely to grow along with an increase in employment.