Garuda Aerospace has partnered with the Goa Information Technology Development Corporation (GITDC) and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) to support the government’s broader ‘Drone Didi’ initiative in Goa.The programme aims to train 100 women every financial year and create 300 certified women drone pilots over three years, subject to statewide approval by DITE&C. The initiative seeks to strengthen rural livelihoods, encourage women-led entrepreneurship and develop a digitally skilled workforce.The first cohort of 12 women, recognised as the ‘Special 12’ by the Goa IT Minister, underwent intensive training covering drone technology, flight simulation, assembly, maintenance, safety and practical flying. The trainees also demonstrated their drone operating skills before the Minister.Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace, said the programme demonstrates how drone technology can support economic independence and social transformation. He added that providing women with certified drone skills could enable them to become technology users, service providers and entrepreneurs.Garuda Aerospace operates one of India’s largest Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs), with MS Dhoni among those who have received drone pilot training from the company. It has also collaborated with government institutions and regional training organisations, including Rural Electrification Corporation (REIL) and Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs), to expand drone skilling capabilities.The company is also looking to extend drone training opportunities to other communities, including free pilot training for widows and wives of armed forces personnel.In 2024, Garuda Aerospace trained more than 500 rural women in drone technology and delivered 446 drones to women-led Self-Help Groups across 20 states under initiatives including the ‘Namo Drone Didi Yojana’. The company has also created over 3,500 jobs for pilots, technicians and other professionals within India’s growing drone ecosystem.