Punjab on Friday took a significant stride towards fostering technological education and employment opportunities with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Punjab Government and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar. The collaboration aimed to train youth in cutting-edge drone technologies, paving the way for careers in sectors such as aerial cinematography, photography, mapping, surveillance, and agriculture.
The MoU, signed by C-PYTE director-general Major General Rambir Mann and IIT Ropar director Prof Rajeev Ahuja, was graced by the presence of Punjab’s Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Minister Aman Arora, along with Director of Employment Generation Amrit Singh. This initiative is poised to meet the increasing demand for skilled drone pilots within India's burgeoning drone ecosystem.
The Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration not only addresses the critical need for indigenous drone pilots but also strengthens our capabilities in drone-based research, development, and manufacturing.” The training program is expected to create more than 29,000 job opportunities in Punjab, with an initial batch of 150 youths set to undergo rigorous training as certified drone pilots through C-PYTE and IIT Ropar.
Additionally, IIT Ropar will assist in establishing a Drone Centre of Excellence, focusing on training, research, and development at one of its campuses, where in addition to drone operator training, drone repair and assembly is to be carried out, he added.
Director of Employment Generation Amrit Singh highlighted the program's comprehensive approach, stating, “Beyond training, we are committed to supporting job placements for our trained youth, ensuring they contribute effectively to various sectors.”