The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced draft rules to ensure ease the usage of drones in India. The ministry has informed the media that the number of forms to be filled to operate drones in India has decreased to six in draft Drone Rules, 2021 compared to 25 forms specified in the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021. The UAS Rules, 2021, came into force on March 12, 2021. The Drone Rules, 2021, once published, will replace the UAS Rules, 2021. In the draft rules, the fee has been decreased to nominal levels and de-linked from the drone size, the statement said. Additionally, the draft rules have also eliminated the necessity of several approvals, including certificate of maintenance, operator permit, authorisation of R&D organisation, certificate of conformance, acceptance of existing drones, import clearance, and student remote pilot licence. Flight permission will not be needed up to 200 ft in the area between 8 and 12 km from the airport perimeter and up to 400 ft in green zones, the draft rules said. The draft rules have also directed simpler processes for the transfer and deregistration of drones. The draft rules have been formed based on self-certification, trust and non-intrusive monitoring, the ministry stated. A pilot license will not be needed for nano drones, micro drones (for non-commercial use), and R&D (research and development) organisations, the draft rules specified. Drone corridors will be built for cargo deliveries and a drone promotion council will be installed to promote a drone-friendly regulatory regime in India, as per the draft rules. The deadline for the public to present their comments on the draft rules is August 5. Additionally, the draft rules said that there would be no restriction on drone operations by foreign-owned firms listed in India. Digital sky platform will be formed as a business-friendly single-window online system. The draft rules added that there would be a minimum human interface on the digital sky platform, and maximum approvals will be self-generated. Image Source Also read: NHAI makes Monthly Drone Survey mandatory for all NH Projects Also read: Drones to monitor Ganga pollution in Uttar Pradesh