Why an official policy is necessary for drones

r-swaminathan

R Swaminathan | March 25, 2015




India needs to develop its own comprehensive policy and regulatory framework for drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) not only for operational clarity but also for developing a manufacturing base for an indigenous drone industry.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are basically pre-programmed aircrafts that are controlled from the ground.

Currently India operates more than 50 drones for various applications.  Internationally certified figures show that India has the second largest number of acknowledged drones in the world after the USA.

Yet the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) does not yet have an official policy towards the civilian application or uses of drones.

A recent study published in Observer Research Foundation  tells us why such a policy is required.

Read full paper 'exploring policy and regulatory challenges posed by civilian UAVs'.

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