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The Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023 under which the mandatory requirement of a passport has been waived to further liberalise, promote and facilitate drone operations across the country.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government-issued identity proof and address proof can be submitted if the passport is not available. "The prerequisite of having a passport was becoming a hurdle for aspiring drone pilots, especially in the agricultural sector across rural India. This effort is to further liberalise, promote and facilitate drone operations across the country and make India a global drone hub by 2030," the release added. After the amendment, it has now been made clear that a government-issued proof of identity and a government-issued proof of address i.e. Voter ID, Ration Card or Driving License can now be accepted to apply for a Remote Pilot Certificate if the drone pilot does not have a passport. The rule is effective from the 27th of September 2023. Exercising the power bestowed upon it by section 5, sub-section 2 of section 10 and sections 10A, 10B, and 12A of the Aircraft Act, 1934 (22 of 1934), the Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified the new Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023 for drone pilots. (ANI)
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