Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today asked the local industrialists to take benefit and tap the huge potential available in the defence manufacturing sector adding that collaboration between the army and local industry can help in the economic development and growth of the state.The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing the participants, including defense experts and representatives of local industrialists at the Indian Army-Industry Round Table Conference organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) in association with the Army here today.The aim of the Roundtable interaction was to enter into candid and direct conversation between the Army and Industry with special focus on the participation of the local industry under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.Deputy CM appreciated the efforts of PHDCCI and army for conducting such a relevant roundtable. He said collaboration between army and local industry can together help in developing the state.‘Transition is happening in the nation especially in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious ‘Make in India’ initiative. There is a positive scope for private players to participate in meeting the requirements of the defense sector,” Dr Nirmal Singh said.
The Dy CM said the government is ready to take all necessary measures to help army develop a manufacturing unit especially for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME). He said that Army, state government and PHD chamber should continue such endeavors to develop and harness the potential of the region.
Dr Nirmal Singh assured full support to the Army and local industrialists in terms of logistics, infrastructure for creating a viable defense economic-system in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Industries & Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga said this is for the first time that such an initiative has been taken to explain to the local industry about the opportunities in the defense sector. The minister stressed on need for having close coordination between the Army, industry and state government to keep the momentum going so as to make this initiative a huge success.Addressing the participants, Guest of Honour, Deputy Chief of army Staff (P&S) Lt Gen Subrata Saha urged that the industry should come forward to develop a defense industrial base in Jammu by harnessing the local expertise. He stated that the region has 40% deployment and hence a “huge market” exists next door.
Chairman, PHD Chamber Jammu region, Vikrant Kuthiala said that as India moves towards more complex defense manufacturing, an economic system must be made available for the industry to sustain its advantage and ensure further growth. “Skill development plays a critical role in achieving self reliance, in order to boost the MSME in defense there is a need to introduce formal education in institutes and universities in defense technology disciplines (like military engineering)” he suggested.The DCOAS team explained to the local industry about the requirements of the Indian Army. Brig Neeraj Kapur, from HQ Northern Command informed the participants about the Army Commander Special Financial Power and what all items are required by them.Amongst others prominent speakers were Co- Chairman, Defence Committee, PHD Chamber, Veenu Jain, Chairman IESL and Industrialist Major Gen G S Jamwal (Retd) and Chief Technology Officer & Co- Founder, Tonbo Imaging Ankit Kumar.