Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal gave nod for allotting two-acre land for setting up Defence Services Officers Institute (DSOI) at SAS Nagar in a meeting with western army commander Lt Gen Philip Campose here on Wednesday.
On June 4, Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had also agreed for DSOI at Sector 27 in Panchkula in the Civil-Military Liaison Conference. With the coming up of DSOI in SAS Nagar and Panchkula, there will be four such facilities in the tricity along with the one at Sector 36 in Chandigarh and other one is at Chandimandir.
Underlining the significance of such institutes, Badal said it would go a long way in ensuring the welfare of the retired and serving army officers. He also directed the officers of the state government to find suitable chunk of land in SAS Nagar, which could be given to the army on lease for setting up this institute. "The state government is fully committed for the well-being of the defence personnel, who render outstanding services to our motherland," Badal said.
Badal asked Campose, who is joining as vice-chief of army staff on August 1, to expedite the process of setting up Service Selection Centre (North) at Ropar. He said the state government had already allotted 200 acres of its prime land at Ropar for setting up this ambitious centre. Underscoring the need for setting up this center at the earliest, he said this center would further brighten the prospects of youth of the state to join the armed forces.
{{/usCountry}}Badal asked Campose, who is joining as vice-chief of army staff on August 1, to expedite the process of setting up Service Selection Centre (North) at Ropar. He said the state government had already allotted 200 acres of its prime land at Ropar for setting up this ambitious centre. Underscoring the need for setting up this center at the earliest, he said this center would further brighten the prospects of youth of the state to join the armed forces.
{{/usCountry}}Badal also asked Campose to explore the viability of setting up skill training centres in the state as a joint venture of the state government and army.
Compose said the state-of-the art Maharaja Ranjit Singh Preparatory Academy was a unique step in this direction. Lt Gen said during his recent visit to the academy, he had noticed the disciplined training and world class infrastructure being provided to the aspirants for joining the armed forces, which was highly appreciable. The chief minister apprised him that the state government would soon open a similar academy exclusively for girls to impart them coaching for joining the armed forces.