Member of Parliament Sujeet Kumar launches drone
India’s first-ever Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) were established in Odisha. Under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), Member of Parliament Sujeet Kumar launched this initiative in partnership with IG Drones, a leading drone technology company.
Located in the Gram Panchayats of Sagada and Bhatangpadar in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, these centres represent a significant step toward empowering tribal youth and women through advanced skill development in drone technology. This is the first time such Centres of Excellence have been launched under a flagship scheme by the Central Government. Adopted by MP Sujeet Kumar under SAGY, Sagada and Bhatangpadar villages have seen multiple transformations through this initiative.
By allocating Rs 10 lakhs from his MPLADS fund, Kumar has introduced cutting-edge technological education to these underserved areas. The initiative also supports the Prime Minister’s Drone Policy, which aims to expand drone operations in India from 27,000 to over one lakh.
MP Sujeet Kumar, speaking about the initiative, said, “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.”
Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder of IG Drones, stated, “These centres aim to provide specialised 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.”
The centres also create employment pathways by facilitating placements through IG Drones’ expertise and its partnerships with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
By integrating Prime Minister Modi’s “Drone Didis” initiative, these centres equip women with drone technology skills for agriculture and other applications, fostering economic independence and breaking traditional gender barriers.
The centres also address unemployment in tribal regions by equipping youth with future-ready skills. Aligned with the National Education Policy’s focus on STEM education, the CoEs inspire interest in technology among schoolchildren while bridging the rural-urban divide in access to advanced learning.
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