Guidelines to take off: Gujarat govt to announce drone-use policy

After the Government of India recently announced a scheme for the use of drones in agriculture, the Gujarat government plans to develop a mechanism to promote and regulate the use of drones in the state.

The state government plans to use drones in various government functions and to promote their use in the private sector as well.

Sources privy to the development said that following the Centre's scheme in the Budget, to promote use of drone technology in agriculture, top-level discussions to make the scheme successful in the state were held.

"Apart from formulating rules on the lines of the Centre's guidelines for use of drone technology, the state government intends to use the technology to improve the efficiency of various government departments," a source said.

"The state home department plans to use drones for surveillance and law and order. There is massive potential for the use of commercial drones, which needs to be regulated for security reasons. The state government thus proposes to make a policy framework and regulatory mechanism for drone use in government and private sector. A license and regulatory mechanism will be announced shortly. Private agencies and persons who want to use drones for various purpose will be listed," sources said.

The state government is also considering adding a state subsidy component for drones in agricultural and other uses. "Drone manufacturing will also be promoted in the state. The government will categorize drones and issue guidelines for use. According to the central government guidelines, 'no drone flying' zones will be notified, considering the security needs of various vital installations," a source added.