Dimapur: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday inaugurated the State’s first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) in Kohima, marking a significant step towards integrating advanced technology into governance and skill development. The inauguration formed part of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
The state-of-the-art facility is a pioneering initiative of the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre under the Planning and Transformation Department. It aims to equip young people with specialised drone technology skills while promoting innovation-led employment opportunities across the State.
Describing the initiative as a forward-looking investment, Rio said the Drone School would play a crucial role in harnessing modern technology for governance, development, and public service delivery. He commended the department for taking the lead in introducing emerging technologies in Nagaland.
Observing that drone technology has undergone a significant transformation globally, the Chief Minister said drones, once associated primarily with warfare, are now increasingly being used for constructive and developmental purposes, including surveying, mapping, disaster management, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring.
Rio said the Drone School would function as a hub for innovation and capacity building, facilitating the transfer of technical knowledge to districts and interior areas. This, he added, would help ensure that the benefits of technological advancement reach the last mile.
He further noted that the initiative would strengthen Nagaland’s preparedness for future challenges and position the State as a leader in the effective and responsible use of drone technology.
The Chief Minister also unveiled a commemorative plaque for the Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers T.R. Zeliang and Y. Patton.
According to officials, 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.
The first batch of 50 trainees, sponsored by the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), will commence training from January 27. The trainees will receive free instruction across multiple specialisations, along with placement assistance and industry linkages.