Maharashtra News: Raigad Launches Drone And CCTV Training Programme To Boost Youth Employment And Tourism Safety

A training programme focused on drone-based systems and CCTV camera maintenance and repair was inaugurated at the District Industries Centre in Raigad-Alibag on Monday. The initiative, aimed at skill development and employment generation, was launched in the presence of Raigad District Collector Kishan Jawale.

The event was jointly organised by the District Industries Centre, Raigad-Alibag, and the Maharashtra Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (MCED). Officials from various banks, including Vijaykumar Kulkarni, Lead District Manager of Bank of India; G.S. Haralya, General Manager of the District Industries Centre; Chaitanya Mud, Manager at Bank of Baroda; and Sanjay Gole, District Coordinator from State Bank of India, were present.

Speaking at the inauguration, Collector Jawale emphasised the growing importance of drone technology in agriculture. “We plan to introduce drones for pesticide spraying in farming. Awareness sessions will be held for farmers to demonstrate its benefits, especially in increasing mango yields,” he said. He also stressed the need for CCTV surveillance in tourist-heavy zones for public safety, highlighting the dual benefit of security and employment opportunities through training in CCTV repair and maintenance.

“Our district’s scenic beauty attracts lakhs of tourists. Ensuring safe and well-monitored beaches will help boost tourism further. This training will help local youth find employment and start businesses in drone and CCTV technology,” he added.

G.S. Haralya, in his welcome address, noted that districts like Raigad offer ample opportunities for drone-based businesses and CCTV services. “This training will enable unemployed youth to explore self-employment avenues,” he said.

During the event, food van vehicles sanctioned under the Chief Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (CMEGP) and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) were officially handed over to selected beneficiaries by the District Collector.

The programme began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and was attended by a large number of trainees.