Progressive policy

Proposed drone rules will open up new opportunities

The new draft policy on drones indicates the government is looking to liberalise the segment. The Drone Rules 2021 come just four months after the previous policy came into effect, signifying the government’s willingness to do fast course correction. Of greater significance is the fact that the new draft was issued within a few days of the drone attack in Jammu, signalling the government’s resolve to carry the reforms process forward. Once notified, the new rules will supersede the existing Unmanned Aircraft System Rules 2021. The rules reduce the paperwork considerably with an eye to “trust, self-certification and non-intrusive monitoring”.