Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday inaugurated the State’s first Drone School along with a Drone Centre of Excellence, marking a significant step towards integrating advanced technology into governance, skill development and public service delivery.
The facility, located at the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre in Kohima, was launched as part of the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
Conceived by the State GIS and Remote Sensing Centre under the Planning and Transformation Department, the initiative aims to equip young people with specialised drone technology skills while fostering innovation-led employment opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Rio described the Drone School as a forward-looking initiative that reflects Nagaland’s efforts to keep pace with global technological advancements.
He said drones, once largely associated with warfare, are now playing an increasingly important role in development, governance and service delivery.
Emphasising its broader impact, the chief minister said the institution would function as a hub for innovation and capacity building, enabling the transfer of technical knowledge to districts and interior areas so that the benefits of technology reach the grassroots.
He added that the initiative would enhance the State’s preparedness for future challenges and help position Nagaland as a frontrunner in the effective and responsible use of drone technology.
According to the Department of Information and Public Relations, the Drone School will offer DGCA-compliant Remote Pilot Certificate courses, along with short-term non-DGCA programmes in FPV flying, drone repair and maintenance, and drone data analysis and mapping.
The facility is equipped with classrooms, laboratories, simulators and assembly workshops, with designated flying zones at Tsiesema and Thizama.
It will also operate as a Centre of Excellence for UAV research, innovation and technical support to various government departments.
The first batch of 50 trainees, sponsored by the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission, is scheduled to begin training from January 27.
The trainees will receive free instruction across multiple specialisations, along with placement assistance and industry linkages.
With an allocation of Rs. 2.50 crore under the State Plan for the 2025–26 financial year, the Drone School is expected to strengthen skill development, support drone-enabled governance services and create new livelihood opportunities across the State.
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Earlier in the day, Rio also launched ‘Naga Bazaar’, a new e-commerce platform aimed at boosting the local economy through digital innovation.
The portal, www.nagabazaar.com, has been developed by the Nagaland State Co-operative Marketing and Consumers’ Federation Ltd. as a hyper-local delivery platform for everyday essentials and groceries.
Powered by MARCOFED’s cooperative network, the platform connects primary cooperative societies, local producers, farmers, self-help groups, artisans and farmer producer organisations directly with consumers across Nagaland.
Officials said the initiative is envisioned as a scalable digital marketplace that promotes inclusive growth, ensures fair pricing and strengthens supply chains while expanding market access for local stakeholders.
