Chandigarh, Jan 10 (NationPress) In a bold initiative to elevate Punjab's role in India's defence manufacturing landscape, the state government convened a high-level Defence Skills Conclave on Saturday. This event was focused on enhancing skill development for the defence, aerospace, and strategic sectors.

The conclave, led by Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Aman Arora, aimed to establish a strong talent pipeline, crucial for India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

This gathering brought together notable figures including Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and several high-ranking officials, industrialists, and academic leaders.

The goal was to create a comprehensive, industry-driven skilling ecosystem that aligns with the technological advancements in modern warfare and aerospace.

Minister Arora emphasized Punjab's enduring legacy in India's defence, referencing its contributions from the Mughal period to contemporary times. He stated that in today's technologically advanced warfare environment, courage should be paired with state-of-the-art skills.

The conclave represents the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led government to transform Punjab into a leading hub that not only produces soldiers but also highly skilled technologists and engineers, thereby making India 'Atmanirbhar' in defence manufacturing.

He noted that Punjab supplies over 12 percent of the country’s soldiers despite constituting only 2 percent of the population. With international airports in Mohali and Amritsar and one of India’s largest Air Force bases in Adampur, Punjab is strategically positioned to attract investment in the defence sector.

The state government is actively collaborating with industry leaders and educational institutions to identify skill gaps and develop tailored training programs for the defence sector.

Minister Arora asserted, "In the upcoming years, if any state can contribute most significantly to the nation in terms of defence skills—digitally, psychologically, and emotionally—it's Punjab."

He stressed the importance of cooperative policymaking between industry and the Central government to leverage this potential and establish Punjab as a robust national asset.

Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh praised the state government for organizing the conclave, calling it a pivotal step towards positioning India as a global manufacturing powerhouse.

He highlighted the need for a dynamic skill ecosystem and a diversified industrial base. Singh acknowledged Punjab’s vast potential in defence manufacturing, given its strong military heritage.

Chief Secretary Sinha assured the Punjab government’s full support in facilitating investments within the defence manufacturing sector, stressing the strategic significance of the defence, aerospace, and related sectors for national security and economic growth, which would also create more job opportunities for the youth.

Sinha mentioned that this conclave would promote collaboration to drive innovation and self-reliance in India’s defence sector.

Additionally, the state government has entered into MoUs with leading defence organizations to boost the employability and technological skills of Punjab's youth for high-value positions in defence and aerospace.

The conclave featured participation from esteemed institutions such as IIT Delhi, IIT Ropar, IIT Indore, Punjab Engineering College, and Chandigarh University, along with major defence industry players.

Notably, the event attracted delegates from various states, including Haryana, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, enhancing the multi-state engagement.