Maharashtra government to set a task force for drone policy implementation

Maharashtra's state government has decided to establish a ministerial task force aimed at implementing the state's drone policy. The decision was made during a meeting held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Sahyadri Guest House in Malabar Hill, Mumbai, which brought together representatives from drone manufacturing companies. The task force will operate under the Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence department and will be chaired by Ashish Shelar, the state minister responsible for these sectors. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive framework that strengthens the existing drone ecosystem. He stated that the government must support current companies while also attracting new investments. This initiative comes after prolonged conflicts in the policy's drafting process and procedural delays. Industry stakeholders expressed concerns regarding the lack of competitive incentives compared to other states. The meeting also addressed allegations of potential conflicts of interest involving consultants who drafted the policy. These claims were raised by BJP leader Dhananjay Mahadik, who had written a letter to the chief minister seeking an inquiry into the matter. The agenda of the meeting included addressing these concerns and gathering input from industry stakeholders. The discussion focused on how to ensure transparency and fairness in the policy-making process, particularly concerning local businesses, drone training operators, and women entrepreneurs. Two months prior, in June 2026, the Maharashtra Automated Systems Policy 2026 was approved, aiming to attract ₹25,000 crore in investment and generate over 1,00,000 jobs. This policy laid the groundwork for further developments in the drone sector within the state. As part of its broader strategy, the government has directed officials to expedite the development of the 'Drone City' project located in the Industrial City area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Fadnavis instructed that a special incentive policy should be considered for the next two to three years to facilitate land acquisition for the drone industry through the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. The establishment of the task force reflects the government's commitment to resolving the challenges faced during the policy's formulation. It aims to streamline processes, enhance competitiveness, and foster growth in the drone sector. By consolidating provisions from various state policies related to research and development, the government hopes to create a more cohesive and effective regulatory environment. This approach aligns with Fadnavis's vision of a "policy of policies," which seeks to integrate diverse initiatives into a unified strategy. As the task force begins its operations, it will likely engage with key stakeholders to gather insights and recommendations. The focus will remain on ensuring that the policy not only meets regulatory standards but also supports innovation and economic growth. With the Drone City project advancing and the state's investment targets remaining ambitious, the success of this initiative could significantly impact the drone industry in Maharashtra. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the task force can navigate the complexities of policy implementation and deliver tangible benefits to the sector.