Private players can use drones for delivery purposes in accordance with Drone Rules, 2021

GS paper 2

Syllabus: Drone Rules, 2021, application of drones etc

Source: PIB

Context:

• The government is utilizing the services of drone providers for vaccine delivery, an inspection of oil pipelines and power transmission lines, agricultural spraying, etc. Private players can now also do so.
• In 2021, the government notified the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to promote the growth of drone manufacturing by private companies.
• The PLI rate is 20 per cent of the value addition over three financial years. PLI for a manufacturer shall be capped at 25 per cent of the total annual outlay.
• The beneficiaries include 12 manufacturers of drones and 11 manufacturers of drone components.

Key aspects of the regulatory framework under Drones Rules, 2021:

• Registration and having a Unique Identification Number (UIN): Every drone, except for those meant for research, development and testing purposes, is required to be registered and should have a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
• Segregating the entire airspace: An airspace map of the country segregating the entire airspace into red, yellow and green zones is available on the digital sky platform.
  • Operation of drones in red and yellow zones is subject to the approval of the Central Government and the concerned Air Traffic Control (ATC) authority respectively.
  • No approval is required for operation of drones in green zones.
• Empowering State and UT Government’s: The State Government, the Union Territory Administration and Law enforcement agencies have been empowered under the Rules to declare a temporary red zone for a specified period.
• Necessary type certification: Drones are required to have the necessary type certification issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
  • No type certification is however required in case of nano drones (up to 250 gram all-up weight) and model drones made for research and recreation purposes.
• Necessary personal details: The owner and operators of drones are required to furnish the necessary personal details including their Indian passport number etc. for issuance of any registration or licence.
• Rule 17 of the Drone Rules, 2021: It lays down the provision of transfer of drone to another person by way of sale, lease, gift or any other mode, after providing requisite details of the transferor, transferee and unique identification number of the drone on the digital sky platform along with the applicable fees.
• Authorisation of Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTO): It will be done by DGCA within specified time limits.
• Punishment for violation: Drone operations that violate the provisions of the Drone Rules, 2021 are punishable under Rule 49 of the Drone Rules, 2021 as well as provisions of any other law, for the time being in force.

Drones use in agriculture:

Insta Links:

SWAMITVA scheme

Practice Questions:

Q. The government is utilizing the services of drone providers for a number of purposes. In the light of this statement, Critically analyze Drones Rules, 2021.