New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has notified the new Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023 for drone pilots.
An Indian citizen can now apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate even if he/she doesn’t have passports. A government-issued proof of identity and proof of address — Voter ID, Ration Card or Driving Licence – will be accepted as necessary documents with the application.
The pre-requisite of having a passport was becoming a hurdle for aspiring drone pilots, especially in the agricultural sector across rural India, MoCA said.
“This effort is to further liberalise, promote and facilitate drone operations across the country and make India a global drone hub by 2030,” the press release stated.
MoCA made the amendment by exercising power bestowed upon it by section 5, sub-section 2 of section 10 and sections 10A, 10B, and 12A of the Aircraft Act, 1934 (22 of 1934).
The rule came into effect from September 27.
