Kohima, Jan 26: In a major step towards promoting technological innovation and future-ready skill development, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Sunday inaugurated the state’s first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) in Kohima as part of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
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| CM Neiphiu Rio inspecting the Drone School-Drone Centre of Excellence at GIS and Remote Sensing Centre, Kohima. (Image Courtesy: DIPR Nagaland) |
The facility, established under the Planning & Transformation Department, is the first of its kind in Nagaland and represents a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to harness emerging technologies for employment generation, innovation and governance. The initiative is expected to equip young people with industry-relevant skills in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology while creating new avenues for entrepreneurship and professional careers.
Following the inauguration, Chief Minister Rio inspected the state-of-the-art infrastructure and interacted with officials associated with the project. He highlighted the importance of embracing advanced technologies to prepare Nagaland’s youth for future opportunities in rapidly evolving sectors such as drone operations, geospatial mapping, precision agriculture, disaster management and infrastructure monitoring.
The Drone School will offer Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-compliant Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) courses, enabling trainees to become certified drone pilots. In addition, the institution will provide several short-term non-DGCA programmes covering specialized fields such as First-Person View (FPV) flying, drone repair and maintenance, drone data analytics, aerial surveying and geospatial mapping.
Officials stated that these courses have been designed to meet the growing demand for skilled drone professionals across multiple industries. The use of drone technology is expanding rapidly in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, environmental monitoring, law enforcement and disaster response, creating significant employment opportunities for trained personnel.
The first batch of 50 trainees, sponsored by the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), will commence training on January 27. The trainees will receive comprehensive instruction free of cost in their respective areas of specialization. The programme will also provide placement assistance, industry exposure and linkages with potential employers to enhance career prospects.
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The institution is equipped with modern classrooms, simulation laboratories, assembly and maintenance workshops, advanced training equipment and designated flying grounds located at Tsiesema and Thizama. Beyond training, the facility will also serve as a Centre of Excellence dedicated to UAV research, innovation and technical support for government departments and development agencies.
With a financial allocation of ₹2.50 crore under the State Plan for FY 2025–26, the project is expected to strengthen Nagaland’s skill development ecosystem and promote the adoption of drone-enabled solutions in governance and public service delivery. Officials believe the initiative will not only create employment opportunities for youth but also contribute to more efficient administration through the use of advanced aerial technologies.
The launch of the Drone School and Centre of Excellence marks a transformative step in Nagaland’s technological journey, positioning the state at the forefront of innovation-driven development in the Northeast and opening new pathways for youth empowerment and economic growth.
