Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for allotting two acres land for setting up Defence Services Officers Institute (DSOI) at SAS Nagar (Mohali).A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister during a meeting with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Western Command Lieutenant General Phillip Compose, who called on the former at his residence this morning.Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister, while underlining the significance of such institutes, said that 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 the Mohali, 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" added Mr. Badal.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also impressed upon Lieutenant General Compose to expedite the process of setting upService Selection Center (North) at Ropar. Mr. Badal said that the state government has already allotted 200 acres of its prime land at Ropar for setting up this ambitious center. Underscoring the need for setting up this center at the earliest, he said that this center would further brighten the prospects of youth of the state to join the Armed forces.Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister also asked Lieutenant General Compose to explore the viability of setting up skill training centers in the state as a joint venture of the state government and Army. He said that it was the need of the hour to impart technical training to the youth of the state so that they could be gainfully self-employed. Mr. Badal also evinced keen interest in mutual cooperation of Army and the state government for this noble venture.
Lauding the initiatives taken by the state government for imparting training to the youth to join the Armed forces and Para Military forces, Lieutenant General Compose said that the state-of-the art Maharaja Ranjit Singh Preparatory Academy was a unique step in this direction. Lieutenant General said that during his recent visit to Academy he had noticed the disciplined training and world class infra structure 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 the joining the Armed forces.On the occasion the Chief Minister felicitated General Compose with a plaque.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretaries Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Ajoy Sharma and Dr SK Karunaraju.