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India’s National Test House Approved for Drone Certification
Context:
The Quality Council of India has approved the National Test House (NTH) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution as a certifying body for drones.
More on News:
- This move aligns with the Government of India’s vision to foster a robust and globally competitive drone ecosystem under the Drone Rules 2021.
- Under Drone Rules 2021, obtaining type certification is mandatory for operating drones in India. NTH is responsible for ensuring that drone models comply with both national and international standards.
Key Highlights:
- NTH, specifically its Northern Region office in Ghaziabad, is provisionally approved for the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
- NTH’s certification process costs Rs 1.5 lakh per drone model, which is noted as the lowest in the industry.
Significance:
- NTH’s role in drone certification strengthens the Government of India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiatives by ensuring that domestic drone technologies meet international standards.
- The certification aims to provide safe and certified drone solutions across various critical sectors, fostering innovation and growth within the country.
National Test House (NTH)
- Established in 1912.
- It is India’s largest multi-location industrial testing laboratory, handling calibration and quality evaluation across various sectors, including industry, commerce, and trade.
- Locations: NTH operates branches in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Guwahati, and Varanasi. The Ghaziabad centre is specifically designated for drone certification.