Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the formation of a special ministerial task force to promote the state’s drone industry and ensure effective implementation of drone-related policies. The task force will be headed by Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Minister Ashish Shelar.
The announcement was made during a meeting with drone industry representatives at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. The meeting focused on understanding the concerns and expectations of drone manufacturers and entrepreneurs.
Fadnavis said Maharashtra needs a comprehensive “policy of policies” by bringing together provisions related to research and development, indigenous manufacturing, testing, patents and financial incentives available under different government schemes.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to strengthen the existing drone ecosystem instead of focusing only on attracting new companies. Financial support for testing costs will be considered until dedicated laboratories and testing facilities are fully developed.
The government also plans to speed up the development of a Drone City in the industrial area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) has been asked to explore special incentives and land availability for drone companies over the next two to three years.
Shelar said the state aims to promote indigenous drone manufacturing and provide better testing and range facilities. He added that Maharashtra would also seek to connect drone companies with opportunities in the defence and aerospace sectors.
The task force is expected to help coordinate different government departments and ensure that entrepreneurs can access multiple state and central schemes more easily.
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