Ministry of Skill Development Partners with Mahindra & Mahindra for Drone Training Initiative
Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship signs MoU with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. to conduct two Pilot Projects under the Drone Didi Yojana
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. to launch two pilot projects under the innovative Drone Didi Yojana, a scheme designed to train 15,000 women in drone operation for agricultural applications. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by the Secretary of MSDE, Atul Kumar Tiwari, and Group CEO & MD of Mahindra Group, Dr. Anish Shah, alongside senior officials from MSDE.
This groundbreaking initiative was unveiled at a signing event where the ministry outlined its vision to utilise Mahindra’s agricultural expertise in comprehensive training programmes. Two National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) in Hyderabad and Noida have been selected to spearhead the pilot projects, focusing on empowering rural women through advanced technological skills in agriculture.
The partnership between MSDE and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. aims to meld women's empowerment with technological advancement in farming, reflecting the ministry's commitment to enhancing national skill development, particularly among women in emerging sectors. Dr. Shah of Mahindra & Mahindra highlighted the company’s commitment to integrating women into the workforce under its Rise philosophy, stressing the unique convergence of gender, agriculture, and technology facilitated by the initiative.
The pilot projects will operate out of the designated NSTIs, each hosting exclusive training batches of 20 women. The 15-day training curriculum, sanctioned by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will be delivered by certified Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) instructors. Mahindra Group will support the initial setup with essential equipment and cover operational costs for the duration of the projects.
Furthermore, the NSTIs will provide the necessary infrastructure, accommodation for participants, and engage with local Women Self Help Groups and NGOs to encourage participation. This collaborative effort is expected to set a precedent for expanding the Drone Didi Yojana across other NSTIs and ITIs nationwide.
In addition to the pilot projects, Mahindra Group plans to extend drone training for women at their skilling centres in Zaheerabad, Telangana, and Nagpur, Maharashtra, further supporting the ambitious scope of the Drone Didi Yojana.