In a major initiative towards enhancing skill development and employment opportunities in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Saini inaugurated the Skill and Drone Didi Yatra by AVPL International in Panchkula on August 12, 2024, on International Youth Day. This collaborative effort with the Haryana Skill Development Mission aims to equip youth and women with specialized skills in drone operation and management, fostering self-employment and improved livelihoods.
The Skill and Drone Didi Yatra will travel across various regions of Haryana, providing specialized training in drone technology to both rural and urban populations. The minister also announced three key initiatives for the state, including the 'Drone Didi' program. Under this scheme, the Haryana government has allocated a budget of INR 54 crore, with a goal to train 5,000 women across the state by March 2025. As part of this initiative, 800 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive certification as drone pilots, with training provided by AVPL International.
In addition to the 'Drone Didi' program, the Chief Minister announced a special subsidy scheme for women from Self-Help Groups to purchase drones for commercial purposes. Under this scheme, the government will cover 80% of the cost of drones or supporting equipment, with a maximum subsidy of INR 8 lakh.
Further reinforcing the state's commitment to skill development, the Chief Minister unveiled the Saksham Yuva Yojana program, which aims to train 10,000 youth in advanced IT skills such as coding, Java, data management, networking, and digital marketing.
During his address, Chief Minister Nayab Saini expressed his enthusiasm for the progress being made, stating, "I am extremely pleased to be distributing pre-placement offer letters (to AVPL International’s trained students) here today. This is an important step towards contributing skilled labor to the construction of a new India. I have complete confidence that our youth, equipped with these skills, will help build a resplendent India. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has laid the foundation for an extraordinary India by connecting our youth, women, and farmers with drone skills, and AVPL's efforts in advancing this mission are commendable."
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed certificates to 20 individuals who successfully completed their drone training through AVPL International. These individuals have acquired the necessary skills to become drone entrepreneurs, contributing to the state's growing drone ecosystem.
Preet Sandhuu, Founder and Director of AVPL International, expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Haryana government, highlighting the organization's dedication to empowering women and youth through modern technology. She stated, "We are committed to harnessing the potential of drone technology to create a brighter future for Haryana's youth and women. Our collaboration with the government is a testament to our shared vision of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact across the state."
The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including directors, secretaries, and deputy secretaries from HSDM, as well as AVPL International's leadership.
The partnership between AVPL International and the Haryana government is expected to set new benchmarks in skill development and technological adoption in India. As India is poised to become a global leader in drone technology, initiatives like the 'Drone Didi' program are crucial in driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact. By empowering women and youth with cutting-edge skills, Haryana is paving the way for a brighter future, one that is driven by technology, innovation, and inclusivity.
