India’s First Drone Centres of Excellence Established in Kalahandi Under SAGY

Bhubaneswar, Feb 10: India’s first-ever Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) have been set up in the Sagada and Bhatangpadar gram panchayats of Odisha’s Kalahandi district. These centers mark a significant step in empowering tribal youth and women through advanced skill development in drone technology.

The initiative, spearheaded by Member of Parliament Sujeet Kumar, has been made possible through a partnership with leading drone technology company IG Drones. For the first time, such Centers of Excellence have been established under the SAGY, a flagship scheme introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 to promote inclusive rural development.

MP Sujeet Kumar has allocated Rs. 10 lakh from his MPLADS fund to establish these centers, aligning with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. These drone training hubs aim to provide specialized education to rural students and unemployed youth, equipping them for careers as drone pilots and technicians.

Speaking about the initiative, MP Sujeet Kumar highlighted the transformative potential of drone technology in rural areas. “The Drone Centres of Excellence are a testament to the power of technology in driving equitable development. By equipping tribal youth and women with cutting-edge skills, we are opening up opportunities that were once out of reach and ensuring their participation in India’s digital economy,” he stated.

Founder & CEO of IG Drones, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are happy to take yet another step in empowering tribal youth and positioning Odisha as a drone hub at the national level.” He emphasized that these centers will train students in drone operations and facilitate employment opportunities through IG Drones’ collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

These centers also integrate the Prime Minister’s “Drone Didis” initiative, aimed at empowering women by training them in drone applications in agriculture and other sectors. This initiative fosters economic independence and helps break traditional gender barriers.

As India’s drone industry continues to grow, the establishment of these Drone Centres of Excellence in Kalahandi addresses the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the sector. By providing training, employment pathways, and skill development, the initiative plays a crucial role in tackling systemic unemployment in tribal regions and ensuring a brighter future for the youth of Odisha.