• Mann Government Organizes Defence Skills Conclave to Align State Strengths with National Defence Goals
• Punjab Supplies Over 12% of India’s Soldiers Despite Just 2% of Population, Highlights Aman Arora
• Bravery Needs to Be Backed by Advanced Skills in Today’s Tech-Driven Warfare: Arora
• Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh Praises Punjab Govt for Hosting the Conclave
• State Inks MoUs with SIDM, NASSCOM, Microsoft, IBM, and 1M1B to Strengthen Skilling Initiatives
Chandigarh, January 10
In a major step towards establishing Punjab as a key centre for India’s defence manufacturing, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government hosted a high-level Defence Skills Conclave on Saturday. The event, chaired by Punjab’s Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Aman Arora, focused on building a strong talent pipeline for defence, aerospace, and strategic sectors to support the nation’s push for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
The conclave brought together top officials, including Defence Secretary (Government of India) Rajesh Kumar Singh, Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Alaknanda Dayal, along with leaders from defence public sector undertakings (PSUs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), premier educational institutions, and skilling experts. The goal was to create an industry-aligned skilling framework capable of meeting the demands of modern warfare and advanced aerospace technologies.
Speaking at the event, Aman Arora emphasized Punjab’s historic role in India’s defence — from the Mughal period to contemporary times — and stressed that in the age of technological warfare, raw bravery must be paired with cutting-edge technical expertise. He described the conclave as a key initiative by the Mann government to evolve Punjab from a major contributor of soldiers into a powerhouse of skilled engineers, technologists, and innovators for the defence sector.
Arora noted that Punjab, with only 2% of India’s population, provides over 12% of the country’s armed forces personnel. He highlighted the state’s strategic advantages, including international airports in Mohali and Amritsar, one of India’s largest air force bases in Adampur, business-friendly policies, and a proven defence legacy, making it highly attractive for investments in defence manufacturing.
“In the years ahead, Punjab is poised to serve the nation most effectively in defence skilling — digitally, psychologically, and emotionally,” Arora declared, calling for closer collaboration between industry, the Central government, and the state to realize this vision and make Punjab a reliable pillar of national security.
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Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh commended the Punjab government for organizing the conclave, describing it as a forward-thinking move towards positioning India as a global manufacturing powerhouse. He stressed the importance of a strong skilling ecosystem and a diverse industrial foundation, while acknowledging Punjab’s deep military traditions as a major asset for defence manufacturing.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Principal Secretary Alaknanda Dayal reaffirmed the state government’s full commitment to facilitating investments in defence, aerospace, and strategic sectors. They underlined how these areas will enhance national security, spur economic growth, and generate substantial employment for Punjab’s youth. Sinha added that the conclave would promote innovation, collaboration, and self-reliance in India’s defence landscape.
To accelerate progress, the Punjab government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading organizations: the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), NASSCOM, Microsoft, IBM, and 1M1B (1 Million for 1 Billion). These partnerships aim to improve the technological capabilities and job readiness of Punjab’s youth for high-value positions in defence and aerospace.
The conclave featured active participation from top institutions such as IIT Delhi, IIT Ropar, IIT Indore, Punjab Engineering College, and Chandigarh University, as well as major defence players including Bharat Forge Ltd, Mahindra Defence Systems, L&T Defence, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, and Safran India. Delegates from multiple states — including Haryana, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor — also attended, highlighting broad national interest.
This Defence Skills Conclave represents a landmark effort by the Punjab government to build a skilled, innovative, and future-ready workforce, positioning the state as a central hub for India’s defence manufacturing ambitions and long-term self-reliance.
