Member of Parliament Sujeet Kumar partnered with top drone technology company IG Drones to create India’s first-ever Drone Centers of Excellence (CoEs) under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
These centres, which are situated in the Kalahandi district of Odisha’s Gram Panchayats of Sagada and Bhatangpadar, mark a major advancement in the empowerment of tribal women and youth by providing them with cutting-edge drone technology training.
Such centers of excellence are being introduced for the first time under the Central Government’s flagship program, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi started in 2014 to promote inclusive rural development.
Sagada and Bhatangpadar villages, which MP Sujeet Kumar adopted under the SAGY project, have experienced notable changes. In line with the government’s goal of establishing Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, Kumar has provided these underprivileged areas with state-of-the-art technological education by donating ?10 lakhs from his MPLADS fund.
The central Government’s drone policy, which aims to significantly increase drone operations in India from 27,000 to over one lakh, is also supported by the program.
By facilitating placements using IG Drones‘ experience and collaborations with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the centers also open doors to employment.
The Drone CoEs strongly emphasize women’s empowerment, which is in line with MP Kumar’s emphasis on holistic development.
These facilities empower women to employ drone technology in agriculture and other fields by incorporating Prime Minister Modi’s “Drone Didis” campaign, promoting economic independence and dismantling gender stereotypes. This strategy promotes them as important contributors to India’s technical growth while also improving their employability.
By giving young people skills that will be useful in the future, the centers not only empower women but also tackle systematic unemployment in tribal areas.
In line with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on STEM education, the CoEs encourage students’ interest in technology while reducing the gap between rural and urban areas in access to higher education.
In line with the government’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” policy, the project guarantees fair access to opportunities by bringing drone technology to tribal areas.
The establishment of these centers comes at a pivotal moment for India’s drone industry. With applications in agriculture, logistics, defense, and infrastructure, the sector is not only driving innovation but also creating significant employment opportunities.
This initiative by MP Sujeet Kumar and IG Drones ensures that tribal youth are well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from the sector’s growth, transforming Kalahandi into a hub of skill development and technological progress.
This collaboration demonstrates IG Drones’ dedication to leveraging technology for the benefit of society. IG Drones, a Noida-based company that specializes in AI-powered Made-in-India drone solutions, is committed to promoting India’s technical independence, as seen by its partnership with MP Kumar, mentioned in its official release.
In terms of rural empowerment, the Drone CoEs in Sagada and Bhatangpadar represent a new era. This project establishes a standard for public-private partnerships in furthering national priorities by reducing unemployment, promoting gender inclusion, and overcoming technology disparities.
It establishes India as a global leader in drone technology-driven development and acts as an example of how to use innovation to improve underprivileged communities, concluded the release.
Key Leadership Comments on Creating India’s First-Ever Drone Centers of Excellence (CoEs)
MP Sujeet Kumar, speaking about the initiative, highlighted its transformative potential. “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. This futuristic step was possible with the support of IG Drones which are establishing such centers of excellence in other parts of the country as well.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO, IG Drones, said “We are happy to take yet another step in empowering the tribal youth and highlighting Odisha as a drone hub at a national level. These centers aim to provide specialized training to rural students and unemployed youth, preparing them for roles as drone pilots and technicians. As the drone industry in India continues to expand rapidly, this initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sector.”
