National e-Governance: The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, successfully conducted a three-day national training programme on “Drone Technology and Its Applications” from November 17-19, 2025.
Designed as a hands-on immersive experience, the training demonstrated how drones are transforming governance, infrastructure management, and service delivery. Over three days, participants explored diverse topics of drone technology including regulatory frameworks, the Digital Sky platform, surveying and mapping, agricultural use, mining operations, disaster management, drone forensics, and anti-drone technologies.
A strong focus was placed on experiential learning, featuring live demonstrations and field sessions on drone flying, surveying, and agricultural applications. Participants directly engaged with drone operations, gaining first-hand insights into how the technology can address real-world governance challenges. Reflecting on this approach, it was noted that the emphasis on practical learning allowed participants to understand how drones can offer scalable, cost-effective solutions in areas such as agriculture, resource management, and disaster response.
Beyond technical learning, the programme also provided exposure to the innovation ecosystem at IIT Ropar, where participants interacted with drone startups at the institute’s Technology Business Incubation Foundation. These interactions highlighted the entrepreneurial initiatives and emerging solutions driving India’s fast-growing drone sector.
It was emphasized that this initiative bridges research and governance by equipping officials with the knowledge to integrate drone technology into public service delivery and policy implementation. The programme witnessed Participation from 25+ ministries & state departments.
This capacity-building programme reinforces NeGD’s commitment under Digital India to empower government officials with emerging technology skills that enhance efficiency, innovation, and citizen-centric governance.
