In a first, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sujeet Kumar from Odisha has established India’s first-ever Drone Centres of Excellence (CoEs) under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) in partnership with leading Drone Technology company IG Drones.
Located in the Gram Panchayats of Sagada and Bhatangpadar in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, these centers represent a significant leap toward empowering tribal youth and women through advanced skill development in drone technology. This is the first time that such centers of excellence have been launched under the flagship scheme by the Central Government, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 to drive inclusive rural development.
Adopted by MP Sujeet Kumar under the SAGY initiative—Sagada and Bhatangpadar villages have undergone remarkable transformations. By allocating ₹10 lakhs from his MPLADS fund, Kumar has brought cutting-edge technological education to these underserved areas, aligning with the government’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047. The initiative also supports the Prime Minister’s Drone Policy, which envisions a significant expansion of drone operations in India, from 27,000 to over one lakh.
The Drone CoEs in Sagada and Bhatangpadar marks a new chapter in rural empowerment. By bridging technological divides, fostering gender inclusivity, and addressing unemployment, this initiative sets a benchmark for public-private partnerships in advancing national priorities. It serves as a model for leveraging innovation to uplift marginalized communities and positions India as a global leader in drone technology-driven development.
Sujeet Kumar, speaking about the initiative, highlighted its transformative potential. “The Drone Centres of Excellence are a testament to the power of technology in driving equitable development. By equipping tribal youth and women with cutting-edge skills, we are opening up opportunities that were once out of reach and ensuring their participation in India’s digital economy. This futuristic step was possible with the support of IG Drones which are establishing such centers of excellence in other parts of the country as well.”
Expressing his enthusiasm, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, Founder & CEO, IG Drones, said “We are happy to take yet another step in empowering the tribal youth and highlighting Odisha as a drone hub at a national level. These centers aim to provide specialized training to rural students and unemployed youth, preparing them for roles as drone pilots and technicians. As the drone industry in India continues to expand rapidly, this initiative addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sector.”
The centers also create pathways for employment by facilitating placements through IG Drones’ expertise and partnerships with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Aligned with the National Education Policy’s focus on STEM education, the CoEs spark interest in technology among schoolchildren while bridging the rural-urban divide in access to advanced learning. By introducing drone technology to tribal regions, the initiative ensures equitable access to opportunities, in keeping with the government’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” agenda.
For IG Drones, a leader in drone technology and innovation, this partnership underscores their commitment to using technology for societal good. Based in Noida, IG Drones specializes in Made-in-India drone solutions powered by AI, and its collaboration with MP Kumar reflects its dedication to advancing India’s technological self-reliance.
