Empowering Rural Women Through Technology

The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, launched to empower rural women by making them entrepreneurs in the agricultural technology space. By providing an 80% subsidy on agricultural drones to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the scheme aims to create a network of 'Drone Didis' who will provide essential spraying and mapping services to farmers, generating sustainable income and driving the adoption of precision agriculture. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step overview of how your SHG can successfully apply.

Who Is Eligible? The Core Criteria

Eligibility for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme is specific and non-negotiable. The applicant must be a Women Self-Help Group (SHG) registered under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). Individual women are not eligible; the application must be made by the SHG as a collective. The SHG should have an active, satisfactory financial and performance track record as assessed by the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM). Priority is given to groups from rural and tribal areas and those that have shown active participation in previous government programs. At least one member of the SHG must be willing and able to undergo the mandatory 15-day drone pilot training program, and members should be between 18 and 50 years of age.

Step 1: Engage with Your Local Nodal Office

The application process for the Drone Didi scheme is not a direct online submission for all. It begins at the grassroots level. Your SHG should first contact the Block Development Office (BDO), the Gram Panchayat, or the local office of the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM). Express your SHG's interest in the scheme. These local nodal offices maintain a list of active SHGs and are responsible for the initial identification and shortlisting based on district-level agricultural demand and the group's performance. Registering your interest early is crucial.

Step 2: Shortlisting by the District-Level Committee

A District-Level Committee (DLC), constituted by the SRLM, reviews all eligible SHGs. The committee evaluates groups based on a set of criteria, including the agricultural intensity in their area (to ensure sufficient demand for drone services), the SHG's financial health (savings, internal lending, repayment history), its performance in other government schemes, and the commitment of its members. Selected SHGs are formally notified through the Gram Panchayat and the BDO. You cannot 'apply' directly at this stage; you must be selected by the DLC.

Step 3: Complete the Mandatory Training

Once your SHG is selected, at least one designated member must successfully complete a mandatory 15-day training program. This training is typically conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, or DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs) that are empanelled under the scheme. The curriculum covers all aspects of becoming a certified drone operator: DGCA Remote Pilot Certificate training, basic drone maintenance and troubleshooting, agricultural application techniques (spraying pesticides and fertilizers), and safety protocols. The training is provided free of cost to the selected SHG member. The completion certificate from this training is a mandatory document for the next step.

Step 4: Online Application on the DAY-NRLM Portal

After the member completes her training and receives her certificate, the SHG can proceed with the formal online application. The application is submitted on the official DAY-NRLM portal (aajeevika.gov.in). There is a dedicated section for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme. You will need to log in using your SHG credentials (which you should have if your SHG is already registered under DAY-NRLM). The online form will require you to fill in detailed information about the SHG, its members, its bank account, and the agricultural demand in your operational area.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

During the online application, you will need to upload scanned copies of the following documents. Ensure all files are clear and under the specified size limits (usually 500 KB each).

  • SHG Registration Number under DAY-NRLM.
  • Aadhaar cards of all active SHG members.
  • The SHG's joint bank account details and a cancelled cheque.
  • Proof of address of the SHG's operational area.
  • The Drone Pilot Training Completion Certificate from the KVK/RPTO.
  • A quotation from a DGCA-approved, empanelled drone manufacturer (the subsidy is released based on this quote).

Step 6: Verification and Approval

Once submitted, the online application is routed to the DLC for final verification. The committee cross-checks the uploaded documents with their records. Upon successful verification, the application is formally approved. The SHG receives an official approval notification via SMS and on the portal. This approval authorizes the SHG to proceed with the drone purchase.

Step 7: Drone Procurement and Subsidy Disbursement

With the approval in hand, the SHG can purchase the drone from the empanelled manufacturer whose quotation was submitted. The 80% Central Financial Assistance (CFA), up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh, is paid directly by the government to the drone manufacturer, effectively reducing the purchase price for the SHG. The remaining 20% can be financed through a loan from the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) at a nominal 3% interest rate. After the drone is delivered and physically verified by local officials, the SHG is ready to begin its journey as a 'Drone Didi' service provider. Remember, the entire application process is free; never pay anyone promising to facilitate your selection.