Kohima, Jan 26: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday inaugurated the state’s first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre 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 state-of-the-art facility is a pioneering initiative of the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) under the Planning & Transformation Department. The initiative aims to equip youth with advanced drone technology skills while promoting innovation-led employment opportunities in the state.
The Drone School will offer DGCA-compliant Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) courses, along with short-term non-DGCA programmes in FPV flying, drone repair and maintenance, and drone data analysis and mapping. These courses are designed to meet growing industry demand and support emerging applications of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.
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The first batch of 50 trainees, sponsored by the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), will begin training from January 27. The trainees will receive free training across multiple specialisations, along with placement assistance and industry linkages.
The institution will be equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, simulators, assembly workshops, and designated flying grounds at Tsiesema and Thizama. It will also function as a Centre of Excellence for UAV research, innovation, and technical support to various government departments.
With an allocation of ₹2.50 crore under the State Plan for FY 2025–26, the Drone School is expected to significantly strengthen skill development, enhance governance through drone-enabled services, and create new livelihood opportunities across Nagaland.
