Empowering Women Through Technology: An Economic Impact Of The Namo Drone Didi Scheme On Women’s Economic And Social Development

Abstract

This study attempts to examine the employment opportunities, economic benefits and to analysis impact of scheme on the Namo Drone Didi Scheme in North eastern zone of Tamil Nadu for women empowerment. The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is an initiative aimed at empowering women in rural areas by integrating digital tools, specifically drones, into agricultural practices. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both primary data from structured interviews with 17 beneficiaries from self-help groups in the northeastern zone of Tamil Nadu, and secondary data from government sources. The findings highlight significant socio-economic changes, with beneficiaries experiencing a 140% increase in average income and a 40% reduction in farm operation costs. The scheme facilitated the transition from manual labour to skilled roles such as drone operators, assistants, and technicians, with 100% of participants engaging in drone-based agricultural services and 90% of the beneficiaries developed technical skills essential for drone operation, and 95% gained financial and business management capabilities. The scheme demonstrated a positive benefit-cost ratio of 2.5, illustrating its financial viability. Despite challenges such as technical, financial, and operational constraints, the scheme’s overall impact has been overwhelmingly positive. The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a transformative initiative that improves the economic well-being of rural women but also encourages the adoption of technological innovations in agriculture, fostering sustainable farming practices and promoting gender equality in rural communities.