In a significant stride towards women empowerment and fostering opportunities for girls aspiring to join the armed forces, the Punjab Government is set to inaugurate a Centre for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth (C-PYTE) camp exclusively for girls at Kapurthala.
Apart from being the girls-only centre, it would entirely be managed and operated by women staff, ensuring a conducive and empowering environment for the trainees. This exclusive initiative aligns with the Chief Minister's vision of providing equal opportunities and breaking gender barriers.
The decision to establish a girls-only C-PYTE camp was formalized during the 33rd meeting of the Executive Board of C-PYTE, presided over by the state Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Minister Aman Arora.
The transformative move aimed at offering specialized training to young women, enabling them to pursue careers in the Armed Forces, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and Punjab Police.
Previously focused on training young men, the existing C-PYTE Camp at the Kanjla in Kapurthala district will transform a dedicated space for girls.
Arora emphasized the importance of breaking traditional gender norms and providing equal opportunities for girls to pursue careers that were traditionally dominated by men.
The girls-only C-PYTE camp will play a pivotal role in preparing young women for the challenges and rigours of joining the armed forces. Training modules will cover various aspects, including physical fitness, mental agility, and specific skills required for service in defense and law enforcement agencies.
Moreover, the C-PYTE camp will introduce specialized training programs such as Service Selection Board (SSB) training for youth who successfully clear the National Defence Academy (NDA) or Combined Defence Services (CDS) written exams, paving their way to becoming officers in the Armed Forces.
Arora also outlined additional training modules that will be incorporated into the C-PYTE curriculum, expanding the scope beyond traditional military training. The camp will offer training in Security and Firefighting, Armed Security Training, Driving, JCB/Poclain operation, and Drone operation. These diverse programs aim to equip the youth with a versatile skill set, enhancing their employability and contributing to their personal and professional growth.