Punjab to Launch Comprehensive Policy for Skill Development in Aerospace & Defence Sector: Minister Aman Arora

Punjab to Launch Comprehensive Policy for Skill Development in Aerospace & Defence Sector: Minister Aman Arora

Punjab Government seeks to attract investment in defence sector and boost employment opportunities for youth

Chandigarh, August 30: The Punjab Government is set to introduce a comprehensive policy focused on skill development in the Aerospace & Defence (A&D) sector, as part of its strategy to position the state as a leader in the defence industry. This policy aims to create a favorable environment for sustainable growth while maximizing job opportunities for the state’s youth.

The announcement was made by Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora during a conclave on Skill Development for the Aerospace & Defence (A&D) and MSME sector, organized by the Centre for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth (C-PYTE) with the support of ASSOCHAM Northern Region.

Minister Arora emphasized that the state’s new policy will capitalize on the diverse opportunities within the Aerospace and Defence sectors, including civil aviation, military aircraft, communication satellites, and missile technology. He highlighted that private industry jobs in aerospace, particularly in military and commercial launch vehicles, offer significant potential for employment generation in Punjab.

To spearhead this initiative, Mr. Arora directed Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar, and Director General C-PYTE Major General Rambir Mann to form a stakeholder group that will draft the policy. The policy will specifically target skill development within the A&D and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sectors.

Wooing industry leaders to invest in the defence sector, the minister noted Punjab’s rich legacy in defence and the robust infrastructure that positions it as an ideal destination for growth in this sector. The state boasts two international airports in Mohali and Amritsar, as well as domestic airports in Ludhiana, Bathinda, and Jalandhar. Additionally, Punjab is home to one of India’s largest airforce bases in Adampur. This infrastructure, coupled with strong research and development (R&D) support for advanced manufacturing, a large MSME base, and focused educational infrastructure, offers an excellent ecosystem for the growth of the defence industry.

Highlighting the importance of skill development, Mr. Arora stressed that unlocking Punjab’s potential in the defence sector relies heavily on enhancing the skills of its workforce. The conclave, he added, provides valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration, which will further strengthen the state’s skill development initiatives. Collaboration with industry leaders will help identify skill gaps and develop targeted training programs to address them.

Principal Secretary Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar echoed these sentiments, urging industry leaders to provide inputs for the policy. She emphasized that collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and industry leaders is essential to meet the evolving needs of the A&D sector. Such partnerships will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and keep the state in line with emerging trends and technological advancements.

Welcoming the industry leaders and delegates, Director Employment Generation Ms. Amrit Singh highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the skills of youth, making them employable across various sectors. She also emphasized that R&D initiatives in Punjab will contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge defence technologies and strengthen the state’s capability to produce advanced defence equipment.

The conclave featured notable speakers, including DG CPYTE Major Gen (Dr.) R.S. Mann, ADG Army Design Bureau Major General C.S. Mann, Chief Nodal Officer of Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor Major General I.M. Lamba (Retd.), and Chairman of Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd., Mr. Rajinder Singh Bhatia. Industry leaders from ASSOCHAM Punjab and Chandigarh, as well as representatives from NSDC International, also shared their perspectives on the growth potential of the Aerospace & Defence sector in Punjab.

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