Maharashtra to form ministerial task force for effective implementation of drone policy

The task force will be chaired by the state’s electronics, information technology, and artificial intelligence minister, Ashish Shelar

Mumbai: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced that his government will constitute a ministerial task force to ensure the effective implementation of the state’s drone policy, raise awareness among entrepreneurs about government schemes, and facilitate the prompt resolution of industry-related issues. The task force will be chaired by the state’s electronics, information technology, and artificial intelligence minister, Ashish Shelar.

The task force will be chaired by the state’s electronics, information technology, and artificial intelligence minister, Ashish Shelar (HT Photo)

The move comes amid concerns raised by industry stakeholders over alleged conflicts of interest in the policy’s drafting, procedural delays, and a lack of competitive incentives compared to other states, among other issues.

At a meeting with representatives of drone manufacturing companies at Sahyadri Guest House in Malabar Hill on Thursday, Fadnavis called for a “policy of policies” for the sector by consolidating provisions from various state policies covering research and development (R&D), indigenous component manufacturing, testing, patents and financial incentives.

Emphasising the need to strengthen Maharashtra’s existing drone ecosystem, the chief minister said the government should not overlook companies already operating in the state while seeking to attract new investments. He directed officials to examine the feasibility of providing financial assistance to existing firms to meet testing costs until dedicated laboratories and testing facilities become operational.

On June 16, Maharashtra approved the Maharashtra Automated Systems Policy 2026, which targets ₹25,000 crore in investment and more than 100,000 jobs. The five-year roadmap seeks to establish the state as a leading national hub for drone manufacturing, robotics and autonomous mobility.

During the meeting, Fadnavis also asked officials to expedite the development of the proposed drone city in the industrial area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. He suggested considering a special incentive policy for the next two to three years to facilitate land allotment through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) for drone industry projects.

Fadnavis assured representatives of the drone manufacturing industry that the government would take the necessary steps to provide them with access to testing ranges, financial assistance for patent-related expenses, and integrated benefits under various central and state government schemes.