In a recent announcement, the civil aviation ministry revealed plans for a separate set of rules governing drones used for civilian and industrial purposes. This move aims to foster the growth of indigenous drone technology. Vumlunmang Vualnam, Civil Aviation Secretary, stressed the importance of nurturing the drone ecosystem and promoting advanced air mobility.

During the national conference on drones in New Delhi, Vualnam assured that significant progress has been made in drone regulations, with more improvements on the horizon. He highlighted the ministry's intent to establish distinct regulatory frameworks tailored to civilian and industrial drone usage.

A key development in this direction is the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme introduced in September 2021. Under this scheme, Indian drone manufacturers and component suppliers stand to receive incentives totaling Rs 120 crore, contingent upon factors such as value addition. Vualnam commended the scheme's effectiveness and emphasized the imperative of homegrown drone technology.

While discussing the PLI Scheme at a conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Vualnam stressed the importance of self-sufficiency in the drone sector, cautioning against overreliance on incentives.

Furthermore, Vualnam shed light on the upcoming Namo Drone Didi Scheme, aimed at empowering rural women with agricultural drones. Specifications for these drones will be issued soon, with plans to distribute 15,000 drones to women-led self-help groups.

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