Bhopal, February 5 (PTI) – In a significant move to position itself as a leader in the drone industry the Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled the Madhya Pradesh Drone Promotion and Utilisation Policy 2025. Approved by the state cabinet on Tuesday the policy aims to foster drone manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while encouraging the use of drones across diverse sectors such as agriculture, logistics, security, and governance.
Key Highlights of the Drone Policy
The policy is designed to attract investments, promote innovation, and create employment opportunities in the state. Here are the major incentives and provisions:
- Capital Investment Subsidy:
- A 40% capital investment subsidy, capped at Rs 30 crore is available for new investments in drone manufacturing and related services.
- Lease Rent Subsidy:
- A 25% subsidy on lease rent with a maximum of Rs 5 lakh per year is provided for three years.
- R&D Grants:
- A Rs 2 crore grant is allocated for research and development in identified sectors.
- Skill Development Incentives:
- Under the Chief Minister’s Seekho-Kamao Yojana (MMSKY) individuals can receive Rs 8,000 per month for up to six months to promote skill development in key sectors.
- Stamp Duty and Registration Fee Waiver:
- A 100% waiver on stamp duty and registration fees is provided for land leased for industrial use.
- Testing and Certification Support:
- Up to Rs 5 lakh per year with a maximum of Rs 20 lakh is available for capital support for testing calibration, and certification during the policy period.
- Patent Filing Support:
- The state government will reimburse Rs 5 lakh for domestic patents and Rs 10 lakh (or the actual cost) for international patents.
- Enhanced Incentives for Mega-Scale Units:
- Companies investing over Rs 50 crore will be eligible for additional incentives.
Economic and Employment Impact
The state government aims to attract Rs 370 crore in investments over the next five years, creating 8,000 new jobs (2,200 direct and 6,600 indirect). This initiative aligns with the global drone market’s projected growth, which is expected to rise from USD 71 billion in 2022 to USD 144 billion by 2030. In India, the drone market is anticipated to grow from USD 2.71 billion to USD 13 billion by 2030.
Applications of Drones Across Sectors
The policy emphasizes the use of drones in various sectors to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and foster innovation:
- Agriculture:
- Drones can be used for precision agriculture, including crop monitoring, pesticide and fertilizer spraying, and data collection, leading to higher productivity.
- Infrastructure and Logistics:
- Drones can assist in surveying, mapping, and monitoring infrastructure projects, improving accuracy and reducing costs.
- Security and Governance:
- Drones can enhance surveillance, traffic monitoring, disaster management, and crowd control, ensuring better public safety and rapid emergency response.
- Urban and Rural Development:
- With 90% of Indian airspace designated as a ‘Green Zone’ for drone operations, the technology can drive economic growth and improve service delivery in both urban and rural areas.
Vision for the Future
Madhya Pradesh aims to leverage drone technology to become a hub for drone manufacturing and services. By offering financial support, tax incentives, and a conducive ecosystem, the state hopes to attract leading players in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry.
The integration of drones into public safety frameworks and key sectors like agriculture and infrastructure is expected to revolutionize service delivery, enhance efficiency, and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
FAQs
1. What is the Madhya Pradesh Drone Promotion and Utilisation Policy 2025?
The policy is a government initiative to promote drone manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while encouraging the use of drones across sectors like agriculture, logistics, security, and governance.
2. What incentives are offered under the policy?
Incentives include capital investment subsidies, lease rent subsidies, R&D grants, skill development incentives, stamp duty waivers, and support for patent filing.
3. How much investment does the state aim to attract?
The state aims to attract Rs 370 crore in investments over the next five years.
4. How many jobs will the policy create?
The policy is expected to create 8,000 new jobs, including 2,200 direct and 6,600 indirect employment opportunities.
5. Which sectors will benefit from drone technology?
Key sectors include agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, security, and governance.
6. What is the global and Indian drone market outlook?
The global drone market is projected to grow from USD 71 billion in 2022 to USD 144 billion by 2030, while the Indian market is expected to rise from USD 2.71 billion to USD 13 billion by 2030.
7. How will drones improve public safety?
Drones will be integrated into public safety frameworks for surveillance, traffic monitoring, disaster management, and emergency response.
