India Bans the Import Of Drones

Tags: National News

Government of India has banned the import of drones in India to protect and encourage the domestic industry 

The notification was issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on 9 february 2022.

• However the government has allowed the import of drones and its components for Research and Development (R & D), Defence and Security purposes.

• The import of drones will require the prior permission of the Government.

• However the import of drones components will not require any permission from the Government of India.

Government Steps for Promotion of  Drone Industry In India Drone Shakti 

• In the Union Budget 2022-23 the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Drone Shakti project of the government  of India to promote startups.
• Start ups will be encouraged by the government to develop and manufacture drones in India so that the demands of drones in various sectors can be met indigenously .
• It announced  a PLI(Productivity Linked Insurance ) scheme for the drone sector in September 2021 to encourage its manufacturing in India. 

Kisan Drone 

 In the 2022-23 budget, Sitharaman also announced "Kisan Drones" the use of drones in spraying of insecticides and nutrients, and crop assessment, to help the farm community.

 What is a Drone 

Drones are also called pilotless aircraft or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).  It means it is not flown by humans but is remotely controlled by the humans. It is equipped with infrared cameras, GPS and laser. It is used  in Space ,in the military, for transporting goods, for spraying insecticides for land mapping etc .