UCIL donates drones to enhance policing in Kadapa

The news regarding Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) donating drones to enhance policing in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, offers a multifaceted lens through which to examine key aspects of Indian governance, corporate responsibility, and technological adoption. While the direct content of the article is minimal, the identified key points allow for a comprehensive analysis relevant to competitive exam aspirants.

**Background Context and The Event:**

Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, primarily engaged in mining and milling uranium ore. PSUs, by their very nature, are expected to contribute not just economically but also socially to the nation. This expectation is formalized through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandates. The donation of drones to the Kadapa police force is a direct manifestation of UCIL's CSR initiative, aimed at bolstering local law enforcement capabilities. Kadapa, a district in Andhra Pradesh, like many other regions, faces various challenges related to public order, crime prevention, and disaster management, where technological augmentation can play a crucial role.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

1. **Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL):** As the donor, UCIL fulfills its CSR obligations, demonstrating its commitment beyond its core business of uranium production. This also enhances its public image and strengthens community relations in its operational areas or regions of strategic interest.

2. **Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India:** As the parent body, the DAE oversees UCIL's operations, including its CSR activities, ensuring alignment with national priorities.

3. **Kadapa District Police:** The direct beneficiary, receiving advanced tools to improve surveillance, crime detection, law enforcement, and potentially disaster response. This upgrade directly impacts their operational efficiency and capacity.

4. **Local Community of Kadapa:** The ultimate beneficiaries, as enhanced policing is expected to lead to improved public order, safety, and security, fostering a better environment for residents and economic activities.

**Significance for India:**

This initiative holds significant implications for India across several domains:

* **Role of PSUs in Local Development and CSR:** The Companies Act, 2013, specifically Section 135, mandates companies meeting certain criteria to spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the preceding three financial years on CSR activities. Schedule VII of the Act lists eligible activities, including promoting education, healthcare, rural development, and environmental sustainability. While 'enhancing policing' isn't explicitly listed, activities like 'promoting public safety' or 'supporting disaster management' could be interpreted to include such donations. PSUs, in particular, are often at the forefront of such initiatives, contributing to local infrastructure, education, and health, thereby acting as catalysts for regional development. This move by UCIL underscores the broader policy thrust towards making corporate entities partners in national development and social welfare.

* **Modernization of Policing and Internal Security:** The adoption of drone technology signifies a crucial step in the modernization of India's police forces. Drones offer numerous advantages: aerial surveillance for large gatherings, monitoring remote or difficult terrains, crime scene investigation, tracking suspects, managing traffic, and assisting in disaster relief operations (e.g., assessing damage, delivering supplies). This aligns with the government's broader vision of 'Smart Policing' and leveraging technology for better governance and internal security. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been encouraging states to adopt modern technologies to combat crime and enhance law and order.

* **Technological Advancement and 'Make in India':** While the source of the drones isn't specified, such initiatives often encourage the domestic drone manufacturing ecosystem, aligning with the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. The Drone Rules, 2021, notified by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, have liberalized the drone policy to promote their use and manufacturing in India, making such donations more feasible and impactful.

**Constitutional and Legal Framework:**

* **Seventh Schedule, Article 246:** 'Public order' (Entry 1) and 'Police' (Entry 2) are subjects under the State List (List II). This means that primary responsibility for law and order lies with the state governments. UCIL's donation, while from a central PSU, supports a state subject, highlighting cooperative federalism in action.

* **Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty):** The increasing use of surveillance technology, including drones, brings to the fore the fundamental right to privacy, as enunciated in the *K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India* (2017) judgment. While drones enhance security, their deployment must be governed by strict protocols to prevent misuse and unwarranted intrusion into private lives. This necessitates a robust legal framework and oversight mechanisms for drone operations by law enforcement agencies.

* **Companies Act, 2013, Section 135 and Schedule VII:** As mentioned, this is the primary legislation governing CSR activities in India, providing the legal basis for UCIL's donation.

* **Drone Rules, 2021:** These rules provide a comprehensive framework for the operation of drones in India, covering aspects like registration, pilot licensing, airspace restrictions, and penalties. Police forces operating drones must adhere to these regulations.

**Future Implications:**

This initiative could set a precedent for other PSUs and private corporations to contribute technologically to local administration and law enforcement. We can expect a wider adoption of drone technology by police forces across India, especially in districts facing unique challenges. However, this expansion also necessitates a national debate and policy formulation on balancing security needs with individual privacy, ensuring accountability in drone usage, and investing in training police personnel for their effective and ethical operation. The future of policing in India will undoubtedly be increasingly technology-driven, with drones playing a significant role in creating 'smart cities' and 'smart policing' frameworks.

In conclusion, UCIL's drone donation is more than just a philanthropic act; it's a microcosm reflecting India's evolving CSR landscape, the drive for police modernization, the opportunities and challenges of technological integration, and the ongoing dialogue between state power and individual rights within the constitutional framework.