- Aims to foster the growth of startups and enhancing the self-reliance of the Indian drone industry.
The Government of India is set to launch a new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the drone sector, with the objective of enhancing the efficiency of implementation and increasing the usage of indigenous components.
Announced by Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, the initiative addresses the shortcomings of the inaugural PLI scheme, which was established in 2021 with a financial commitment of Rs120 crores over three years.
The forthcoming scheme is expected to provide a substantial outlay of Rs1,000 crores, aimed at fostering the growth of startups and enhancing the self-reliance of the Indian drone industry.
This new PLI scheme intends to classify the drone market into three key segments: civilian use, defense and security applications, and the management of rogue drone activities.
Creating tailored strategies
By delineating these sectors, the government seeks to create tailored strategies and ensure that concerns related to unregulated drone usage do not hinder the progress of legitimate stakeholders, including startups and women-led self-help groups.
The recognition of the initial scheme’s bureaucratic challenges indicates the government’s commitment to facilitating a more streamlined process for operators within the drone industry.
Vualnam acknowledged the burdensome documentation requirements that particularly impacted small enterprises and startups, signifying a shift towards promoting ease of doing business in this burgeoning sector.
Fostering indigenisation is a core theme of the new initiative. As emphasised by Major General C S Mann from the Army Design Bureau, it is crucial for the industry to accurately represent its indigenous capabilities.
The transparency will bolster efforts to tackle challenges effectively and identify essential components for domestic production. Furthermore, the inclusion of counter-drone technologies within the scope of the new PLI scheme reflects a proactive approach to address potential threats posed by rogue drone activities.
The new scheme also aligns with other government initiatives, such as the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, aimed at empowering rural women through access to agricultural drones.
The initiative promises to distribute 15,000 drones to women-led self-help groups, thereby enhancing productivity in the agricultural sector and promoting gender inclusivity.