Uttarakhand’s ‘Drone Didi’ Initiative Empowers Rural Women With High-Tech Skills
The course includes 330 hours of training over 37 days, covering all aspects of drone technology, from assembly to real-time operations
In a remarkable step towards women empowerment and technical skill development, three young women from Uttarakhand—Tanuja Verma from Pithoragarh, Roshni from Gairsain, and Jashoda from Uttarkashi—have successfully ventured into the world of drone technology. Coming from rural backgrounds and socially weaker sections, these women, who until recently had never operated a laptop, are now proficient in drone assembling, repairing, and flying.
This transformation has been made possible through the Drone Service Technician Course, Drone Didi, initiated by the Information Technology Development Agency – Computer Aided Learning Centre (ITDA CALC), an undertaking of the Uttarakhand government. The initiative is part of a broader effort to equip youth, especially from economically weaker backgrounds, with technical skills that open up new employment opportunities.
Government’s Vision for Technical Skill Development
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has been actively promoting technical education and vocational training among rural youth. With financial support from the Government of India and collaboration with the Uttarakhand Youth Welfare Department, the Drone Service Technician course is specifically designed for Scheduled Caste girls. The first batch of this program commenced on January 6, 2024, at the Provincial Youth Welfare Directorate campus in Dehradun, with 52 young women from across the state participating.
The course includes 330 hours of training over 37 days, covering all aspects of drone technology, from assembly to real-time operations. Importantly, all expenses, including training, accommodation, food, and travel, are fully covered by the government.
Incentives and Employment Prospects
To further motivate the trainees, the government has announced a special incentive. An examination will be conducted at the end of the course, and successful candidates will receive certificates from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. Moreover, the top five performers will be awarded free drones, enabling them to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey in drone services.
The program is being conducted through the IT Skill Growth Centers in Rishikesh and Pithoragarh, with the current training program in Dehradun managed by the Rishikesh Center. According to Virendra Chauhan, in-charge of the Rishikesh Center, 200 young men and women will be trained under this scheme, preparing them for self-employment and career opportunities in emerging sectors like disaster management, agriculture, and medical services.
Bridging the Gap in High-Tech Employment
The participants of the Drone Didi Yojana are optimistic about their future. Many of them plan to establish their own businesses based on drone services, while others aim to support government initiatives in disaster relief and healthcare. With the increasing scope of drone technology in various sectors, this initiative is expected to create a skilled workforce ready to contribute to Uttarakhand’s economic growth.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that the Drone Didi Yojana is part of a broader government strategy to provide high-tech skills to Uttarakhand’s youth. “The future of drone technology is vast, and this initiative ensures that our state has trained manpower ready to harness its potential,” he stated.
With programs like Drone Didi, Uttarakhand is setting an example of how technology-driven training can empower marginalized communities, making them self-reliant while contributing to the larger socio-economic framework of the state.
