¨     On 26 January, Nagaland’s first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence has been inaugurated at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre in Kohima.

¨     The facility was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as part of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
¨     The state-of-the-art initiative has been developed under the State GIS and Remote Sensing Centre of the Planning and Transformation Department.
¨     The Drone School has been established to equip youth with advanced drone technology skills and promote innovation-driven employment.
¨     The initiative was described by the Chief Minister as a major step towards using modern technology for governance, development, and public service delivery.
¨     The Drone School has been envisioned as a hub for innovation and capacity building, ensuring technology reaches districts and interior areas.
¨     DGCA-compliant Remote Pilot Certificate courses along with non-DGCA programmes in FPV flying, drone repair, maintenance, and data mapping are being offered.
¨     The first batch of 50 trainees sponsored by the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission has been enrolled for free training.
¨     The institution has been equipped with classrooms, laboratories, simulators, assembly workshops, and designated flying grounds.
¨     The Drone School will also function as a Centre of Excellence for UAV research and provide technical support to government departments.