Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025

Why in news?

Recently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation released the Draft Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025, and invited feedback from stakeholders and citizens until September 30.

• Aim - The new bill aims to promote and regulate the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in India.
• The draft bill seeks to replace the Drone Rules, 2021, lays down a tougher regime for unmanned aircraft systems.
• Enforcement Agency- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is responsible for carrying out the safety oversight and regulatory functions.
• Key Provisions
• Mandatory registration - All drones must have a Unique Identification Number (UIN) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• Type certification - Manufacturers need DGCA certification before selling or operating drones in India.
• Compulsory third-party insurance - All drone operators must have insurance coverage, which will be compulsory unless specifically exempted.
• Digital Sky zones - The existing "Digital Sky" platform will continue to classify airspace into three zones:
  • Green zone - Free flying is permitted.
  • Yellow zone - Requires air traffic control clearance.
  • Red zone - Operation is prohibited without prior permission from the central government.
• Pilot certification - Remote pilots must undergo training and obtain a valid Remote Pilot Certificate from a DGCA-authorized organization.
• Mandatory safety features - Drones must incorporate anti-tampering, traceability, and airworthiness features.
• Enhanced penalties - Violations of drone rules and misuse of drones as weapons or for carrying dangerous goods are considered serious offenses, punishable with fines and imprisonmen.
  • Imprisonment for a period of up to 3 years or fine up to Rs. 1 lakh or both for violation of the bill.
• Willful disobedience - Whoever willfully disobeys any provisions be punishable with a fine up to Rs. 50,000 or an imprisonment which may extend to 3 months or both, and
  • Any second or subsequent offence with a fine up to Rs. 1 lakh or an imprisonment which may extend to six months or both.
• Exemption – The bill exempts the UAS of the naval, military, air force or any of the armed forces of the Centre or the UAS weighing above 500 kilograms.
• Confiscating Authority - The Director General or any other officer authorized in this behalf may seize and confiscate the UAS devices or things which may be useful for, or relevant to, the investigation of offence.
• Cognizable & Non-compoundable Offence– Any offence involving carriage of dangerous goods by a civil UAS or use of a civil UAS as a weapon, shall be cognizable and non-compoundable offence.
• Compensation for victims - The bill proposes a compensation mechanism for victims of drone accidents, with specific amounts set for death and grievous injury.

References

1. Hindustan Times | Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025
2. Ministry of Civil Aviation | Civil Drone (Promotion and Regulation) Bill, 2025