Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Unveils Tech-Focused Budget with Major Drone and Aerosports Push
In a significant move to position Goa as a hub for emerging technologies, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced substantial budgetary allocations for drone training, startup promotion, and aerosports infrastructure in the state's latest budget. The announcements underscore the government's commitment to fostering innovation and creating new career opportunities for Goan youth.
Drone Remote Pilot Training Organization at Cacora ITI
The centerpiece of the technology initiatives is the establishment of a Drone Remote Pilot Training Organization (RTPO) at the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Cacora. This facility, located just 25 kilometers from the proposed integrated aerosports and drone hub at Quitol plateau, will be the first of its kind in Goa.
"The proposed drone RTPO centre will enable young Goans undergoing training at the centre to be issued drone flying licenses," stated CM Sawant during his budget presentation. "This strategic placement near the Quitol aerosports hub creates a seamless ecosystem for skill development and practical application."
Crucially, the Cacora ITI has already commenced drone pilot and drone technician courses, providing a foundation for the new RTPO. This initiative aligns with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications' ambitious plans for the Quitol aerosports and drone hub.
Support for Women Pilots and Startup Ecosystem
In a notable inclusion, Sawant announced a dedicated scheme to support women aspiring to pursue careers as pilots, though with a modest initial allocation of Rs 1 crore. This token provision signals the government's intent to encourage gender diversity in the aviation and aerosports sectors.
The budget also contains robust measures to boost Goa's startup culture. A total of Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for four new schemes under the Goa Startup Policy, 2025:
- Campus Innovation Scheme
- Promotion and Marketing Assistance Scheme
- Women Entrepreneur Vitality Scheme
- Skill Enhancement Scheme
These initiatives aim to create a conducive environment for technology startups to flourish within the state.
Additional Technology and Infrastructure Investments
Sawant highlighted several other technology-related allocations in his budget speech:
- Broadband Expansion: The Goa BroadBand Network will be strengthened by covering approximately 1,605 additional locations across the state.
- IT Employment Incentive: IT/ITeS companies employing at least 50 full-time Goan employees will be eligible for Rs 5 lakh per annum on a first-come, first-served basis, with 20 companies targeted.
- Airport Revenue: Since the commissioning of Manohar International Airport in 2023, the government has earned Rs 114.5 crore in revenue from airport operations.
The budget reflects a comprehensive approach to technology development, combining infrastructure investment with skill development and entrepreneurial support. By focusing on drone technology, aerosports, and startups, the Goa government aims to diversify the state's economy beyond tourism while creating high-value employment opportunities for its residents.
