ESSCI Signs MoU With IG Drones to Train Drone Pilots in India

New Delhi: The Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), the mandated body for skill development and certification under the NSQF for the electronics sector job roles, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)with IG Drones, a leading enterprise drone solution provider, to explore collaboration opportunities in Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) training.

ESSCI has learnt that with a fast-growing sector for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), India is estimated to develop a multibillion-dollar industry of drones in the next decade. ESSCI cited many factors for the growth of the Indian drone market including the draft Drone Rules 2021, which were released in July 2021 by the Ministry of civil aviation.

The drone technology is being rapidly adopted as its potential and applicability in multiple industries and domains, including commercial entities, individuals, armed forces and government organizations is being recognized. The MoU was signed by Mr. Piyush Chakraborty, Officiating Head on Behalf of ESSCI, and Mr. Om Prakash Das, Co-Founder and Director, IG Drones in ESSCI headquarter New Delhi. The MoU aims to establish a Centre of Excellence (COE) and Model Training Centre partnering and promoting industry-aligned NSQF based programs with IG DRONES at various academic institutions, universities training partners. Also, will help to implement an apprenticeship program under NAPS and become an industry partner for B.Voc. /B.Sc. program in the Drone Technology sector.

Mr. Piyush Chakraborty, Officiating Head, ESSCI said that 2022 will be a breakthrough year for adoption and will witness widespread usage of drones.“2022 will be the year in which the hockey-stick upcurve in large scale usage of drones in India will happen, upon the strong foundation of the Drones Rules 2021, the UTM policy (a draft policy for UAV Traffic Management (UTM) Ecosystem) and more,” he said.  “Under this partnership, ESSCI and IG Drones will combine their efforts in developing the drone ecosystem in the country,” he added.

Om Prakash Das, Co-founder and Director, IG Drones said: “The drone and remotely piloted aircraft industry is evolving rapidly. This increases the demand for drone pilots equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge of safety and flying regulations along with technical proficiency. In line with our commitment to Skill India mission, we are now looking to participate in and contribute to the UAV ecosystem by applying IG Drones purpose and values of safety, innovation, operational excellence and sustainability.”

“The MoU will consequently serve as an open space for the exchange of ideas for technological innovation and training. We will work toward providing best-in-class training to budding drone pilots, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality,” he added.