To position Punjab as a leader in the defence industry, the State Government is set to unveil a comprehensive policy focused on skill development in the Aerospace and Defence (A&D) sector. The initiative aimed at creating a robust environment for sustainable growth, offering vast opportunities for the state's youth.
Punjab’s Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Minister Aman Arora, announcing this while addressing a conclave on Skill Development for the Aerospace and Defence and MSME sectors, directed the Principal Secretary Jaspreet Talwar and Director General C-PYTE Major General Rambir Mann to assemble a team of stakeholders to draft the new policy.
The event, held in collaboration with the Centre for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth (C-PYTE) and ASSOCHAM Northern Region, highlighted the state's commitment to nurturing talent in this critical sector.
Arora said that the focus will be on leveraging Punjab's existing strengths in civil and military aviation, missile technology, communication satellites, and launch vehicles to maximize job opportunities for the state's youth.
“Punjab has a rich legacy in the defence sector, and with our strong infrastructure, including international airports in Mohali and Amritsar, and one of India's largest air force bases in Adampur, we are well-positioned to attract investment in the defence industry,” said Arora. He also emphasized that the state’s advanced research and development (R&D) capabilities, extensive MSME base, and established aviation clubs will play a pivotal role in driving this initiative.
Arora’s call to industry leaders to invest in Punjab's defence sector underscored the state’s potential for growth. The new policy aims to align the state's educational infrastructure with industry standards, ensuring that Punjab’s workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving aerospace and defence industries.
Principal Secretary Jaspreet Talwar urged industry leaders to contribute their expertise to the policy development process, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. The collaborative approach will ensure that the state’s programs are tailored to meet the specific skill requirements of the aerospace and defence sectors, keeping pace with emerging trends and technological advancements.
Director of Employment Generation Amrit Singh welcomed the delegates, highlighting the state's efforts to enhance youth employability through targeted skill development programs. She also pointed out that ongoing research and development initiatives will further bolster Punjab’s capabilities in producing cutting-edge defence technologies, solidifying its role as a key player in the national defence landscape.
