Source: PRS India & PIB
The Ministry of Civil Aviation released guidelines for the voluntary disclosure of noncompliant drones flying in India. In order to facilitate the identification of civil drones and drone operators, a one-time opportunity for voluntary disclosure of such drones and drone operators is now being provided by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
About the drone regulations
- The Ministry had released the regulations for the operation of civil drones in August 2018.
- These regulations provide the process for obtaining a unique identification number, unmanned aircraft operator permit, and other requirements including identification of civil drones.
Key highlights of the guidelines
- The persons in possession of drones are required to submit the information to the government, starting from 14th January 2020 by visiting the Digital Sky portal
- The latest guidelines provide that persons in possession of drones must submit the required information to the government by January 31, 2020
- Drones and Drones operators have to obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN), Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP) and other operational requirements as per the guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which regulates the use of drones in the Indian Airspace.
- On successful submission of voluntary disclosure of possessing drone, a Drone Acknowledgement Number (DAN) and an Ownership Acknowledgement Number (OAN) will be issued online which will assist in validation of operations of drones in India.
- However, the DAN or OAN does not confer any right to operate a drone(s) in India, if it does not fulfill the provisions given in the CAR.
- Further, ownership of drone(s) in India without a valid DAN or OAN shall invite penal action as per applicable laws.
