Porvorim, August 14, 2026: Goa has taken a significant step towards promoting women-led entrepreneurship and technology-driven rural livelihoods with the successful completion of its first five-day Pilot Drone Skilling Workshop for 12 women.
The training programme was conducted under the aegis of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) and the Goa Information Technology Development Corporation (GITDC), in collaboration with Garuda Aerospace Limited.
The initiative seeks to integrate advanced drone technology with rural livelihoods while creating new opportunities for women to develop technical skills, start enterprises and participate in Goa’s emerging digital economy.
Hands-on training in drone technology
Over five days, the participants received practical and theoretical exposure to various aspects of drone operations, including flight simulation, drone assembly, maintenance, operational safety and practical flying procedures.
The workshop concluded with a valedictory ceremony where the participants demonstrated their newly acquired flying skills through live drone demonstrations. Certificates were subsequently presented to the trainees.
The programme was attended by ITE&C Minister and GITDC Chairman Shri Rohan Khaunte, along with DITE&C Director and GITDC Managing Director Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, ITG Managing Director Shri Praveen Volvotkar and other elected representatives and local dignitaries.
Focus on women-led entrepreneurship
Speaking at the event, ITE&C Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte said the objective was not merely to train women to operate drones but to equip them with skills and confidence to create livelihoods and build enterprises.
He said the initiative reflects the broader vision of a digitally empowered Goa where women, technology and entrepreneurship come together to drive inclusive economic growth.
Khaunte described the 12 trainees as ambassadors of change who could inspire more women across Goa to embrace emerging technologies.
Trainees see new opportunities
For the participants, the programme provided an opportunity to move beyond conventional perceptions of drone technology.
Trainee Anu Morajkar said she came to know about the programme through her Self-Help Group and initially associated drones mainly with photography and videography. The training introduced her to aerodynamic principles, simulators, drone controls and actual flight operations.
Another participant, Subhi Satardekar, said the training had boosted her confidence to explore opportunities in areas such as photography, events and precision services, while also encouraging women to consider technology-based entrepreneurship.
Goa plans to train 100 women every year
The state government is now looking to scale up the initiative under the Goa Drone Policy.
The Government of Goa is in the process of securing approval for the proposed Goa Drone Didi Training Scheme, under which the government plans to fully sponsor drone training for 100 women every financial year.
The long-term target is to create 300 certified women drone pilots over three years.
The initiative is aligned with the broader vision of the nationwide Namo Drone Didi programme and aims to use drone technology to enhance rural incomes, encourage self-reliance and create new avenues for women-led businesses.
With its first batch successfully trained, Goa is now looking to build a larger pool of skilled women drone pilots capable of using technology for agriculture, precision services, events, photography and other emerging sectors.
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