Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
2) India’s drone use policy makes the possibility of a red tape-free flight very slim. Analyze. (250 words)
Why this question
Drones and UAVs have numerous applications and in the coming age of fourth industrial revolution, their importance is only going to increase. In this regard the Indian govt has recently released the maiden drone-use policy. It is important to examine the policy and bring out its shortcomings.
Directive word
examine- here we have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to bring out how the recently released guidelines on drone use, make the possibility of red-tape very slim.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the recently released guidelines by the DGCA- e.g briefly discuss the definition of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and RPAS.
Body-
Discuss in points/paragraphs, how the new policy enhances the chances of red-tapism. E.g
India’s regulations separate drones into five categories — nano, micro, small, medium and large. There is very little regulation for flying a nano up to 50 metres height, except for not flying near airports, military sites or in segregated airspace; a unique identification number (UIN) for each drone, with a long list of documentation including security clearances from the MHA in several cases. Once the UIN is obtained, operators have to apply for an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), implying more forms, more annexures and more submissions. Even to fly a micro drone below 200 ft, users have to intimate the local police station 24 hours prior; Manufacturers of drones as well as technologists and researchers making applications using drones have to test fly these frequently, often several times a day etc.
Conclusion- based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
