Bhopal
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that the overall action plan has been prepared to make Madhya Pradesh a major hub of drone construction and technology. The state government has approved the Madhya Pradesh Drone Promotion and Use Policy-2025 to attract investment in the drone sector. It includes subjects and facts promoting innovation, economic prosperity and employment through safe and efficient use of drones. To promote the use of drone technology in Madhya Pradesh, drone data repository will also be made soon. Inspired by the Prime Minister’s speed power initiative, the drone policy will be a centralized platform for government’s drone data and imagery.
Drone data repository will promote mutual data sharing and cooperation between various departments. This policy will develop better monitoring mechanisms using GIS based schemes and analytical devices. This repository will provide immediate updated monitoring facility, which will provide flawless allocation of resources and support in infrastructure development. This will help better coordination, help in decision-process and will also improve the review of projects.
The Department of Science and Technology will ensure that data management is done safely and the management system of repository with collaborative partners is strengthened. The state government will ensure that all drone data collected by the state agencies will be stored under data security laws and regulations according to any amendment or policy after the National Geographical Policy-2022 or subsequent amendment. Safe data storage and broadcasting technologies will be used to protect sensitive information.
The use of drones in future will increase rapidly. It is a pilot with a device that is bringing revolutionary changes in various fields. It presents innovative solutions in many ways and saves human labor. This technology maintains data on time. Data collects from difficult places with accurate and efficiency. The use of modern technology is proving to be invaluable tools for many areas.
Use in agriculture
Drone is helping to monitor crop health, detect diseases and evaluate crop yields. Drone can be done with fertilizer and pesticides with accuracy, which will reduce waste and negative environmental effects. They can identify areas that require more or less water. Drone helps better use irrigation methods.
Uses in disaster management
Drones are detecting the affected people using thermal imaging and high-regulation cameras in disaster affected areas. Seeing detailed photos of the affected areas, they are helping in rescue efforts. Rebuilding efforts and authenticity of insurance claims are helping. In emergency situations, drone medical supply and food items are transporting food to inaccessible areas.
Use in inspection
Drone bridges, buildings and other infrastructure are inspected, including maintenance and safety evaluation. The progress of construction from drones is being obtained in real time. Drone is monitoring the safety of wildlife and keeping an eye on their activities without harassing them. The health of the forests, detection of illegal wood cutting and the effect of forest fire is also being evaluated by drones.
Establishment of drone schools
Madhya Pradesh will set up drone schools under the new drone policy to promote drone technology and prepare efficient human resources for operation. It will be invested through public-private partnership. It aims to provide extensive training and education in drone technology, so that both students and professional are well prepared to meet the growing demand of the industry.
Polytechnic, ITI and engineering colleges will be encouraged to develop specific courses for drone/parts design, drone image analytics, AI tools etc. Training programs will be prepared in collaboration with industry partners. This will provide necessary skills to the youth to get employment in the drone industry. Training programs especially providing employment in drone manufacturing, repair, assembling and data processing have started.
Profit from policy
An investment of about Rs 370 crore is expected in the next 5 years. About 8,000 (2,200 direct and 6,600 indirect) employment will be created. About 25-30 people are expected to get direct employment on the basis of financial incentive per crore financial incentives in the region.
Major column of policy
Drone eco system, skill development, sector promotion and financial incentive are the major columns of drone policy. These will promote drone related courses in technical institutes. Drone Eco System AI and the latest technology will be encouraged.
Financial incentive
After the announcement of the drone policy, 40 percent capital investment (up to Rs 30 crore) for new investment made by DSDM/DES units (up to Rs 30 crore) and a subsidy of 25 percent up to 3 years on lease rental or up to Rs 5 lakh per year, which also up to Rs. 5 lakhs Will be reduced. There will be a grant of up to Rs 2 crore to start the R&D project in the areas identified by the state government. In order to upgrade the skills of talents, the intern will be given 8 thousand rupees per month for 6 months in the Chief Minister “Learning Earn Yojana”. 50 percent subsidy will be given on the expenditure incurred to participate in exhibitions/programs. This subsidy will be up to Rs 1 lakh for domestic programs and Rs 2 lakh for international programs.
100 percent stomp duty and registration fee will be reimbursed on the lease executed on the land. During the policy period for testing, calibration and certification, a caps of Rs 20 lakh will be assisted up to Rs 5 lakh per year. For domestic patent, Rs 5 lakh per patent and Rs 10 lakh for international patent or actual cost will be borne. I will get an increased incentive amount for mega scale units investing more than Rs 50 crore. College/universities/institutes connecting drone related courses will be eligible for subsidy of 50 percent (up to Rs 25 lakh).
With the introduction of the digitization campaign, the drone sector has revolutionized due to government policies, progress in technology and increasing funding. Its global market is expected to increase from $ 71 billion in the year 2022 to $ 144 billion by the year 2030. The Indian drone market is expected to reach $ 13 billion by 2030. Madhya Pradesh can establish itself as a leading state in drone technology. For this, safe use of drones will be ensured by promoting innovation and economic activities. This will also help in making the state technical and economically prosperous.