Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio inaugurating the Nagaland Drone School-Drone Centre of Excellence at the office premises GIS & Remote Sensing Centre, Kohima on January 26. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, January 26 (MExN): Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, inaugurated the state’s first Drone School and Drone Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre in Kohima on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. The initiative, led by the State GIS & Remote Sensing Centre under the Planning & Transformation Department, aims to equip youth with advanced drone technology skills and promote innovation-driven employment.
Describing the launch as a “major step towards harnessing modern technology for governance, development, and public service delivery,” Dr. Rio said the Drone School would act as a hub for innovation and capacity building. He added that the knowledge and skills gained would be transferred to districts and interior areas to ensure technology benefits reach the last mile.
Dr. Rio noted that while drones were previously associated mainly with warfare, they are increasingly being used for developmental and positive applications. He said the initiative would enhance Nagaland’s preparedness for future challenges and position the state as a leader in the effective use of drone technology.
The inauguration also included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, and Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha, IAS.
The Drone School will offer DGCA-compliant Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) courses, along with short-term non-DGCA programmes in FPV flying, drone repair and maintenance, and drone data analysis and mapping. The first batch of 50 trainees, sponsored by the Nagaland Skill & Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM), will commence training from January 27, 2026. Trainees will receive free training across multiple specialisations, along with placement assistance and industry linkages.
Equipped with classrooms, laboratories, simulators, assembly workshops, and designated flying grounds at Tsiesema and Thizama, the institution will also function as a Centre of Excellence for UAV research, innovation, and technical support to government departments.
With an allocation of Rs 2.50 crore under the State Plan for FY 2025–26, the Drone School is expected to strengthen skill development, enhance governance through drone-enabled services, and create new livelihood opportunities across Nagaland.
