Delhi Proposes Drone Policy to Create Over 1,000 Jobs
Delhi is set to introduce a comprehensive drone policy designed to generate more than 1,000 jobs and establish a regulated framework for drone operations across the capital, IT Minister Pankaj Singh announced on Saturday.
Drafted by the Information Technology department, the policy aims to structure safe and regulated drone activities while opening up employment opportunities. Singh stated that the policy document is ready and is scheduled to be tabled for cabinet approval within a month.
Under the proposed framework, the government will focus on setting up dedicated flight-testing facilities and developing drone research clusters. The policy also promotes the deployment of drones for urban traffic management.
To strengthen the city's drone ecosystem, the plan includes offering subsidies and financial incentives to encourage technological innovation and investment. The government intends to allocate a separate budget to implement the scheme and establish the necessary supporting infrastructure.
The policy will enable government agencies to utilize drones for mapping and surveillance tasks. It is also designed to strengthen integration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's Digital Sky platform to ensure operations are conducted safely within a regulated environment.
According to an official, the policy focuses on key areas including public awareness and enforcement, outreach, zoning signage, sensitisation workshops, safety frameworks, and counter-drone standard operating procedures.
The government is also exploring capacity-building initiatives under the Delhi drone policy, such as conducting drone awareness workshops in schools, creating centres of excellence, setting up remote pilot training organisations, and launching pilot training projects.
