In a major boost to empower the young women of Punjab by enabling them to join the Indian Armed Forces, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, on Friday, inaugurated a dedicated accommodation block for the NDA Preparatory Wing at the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls, SAS Nagar (Mohali).
The facility has been named in honour of the legendary Sam Manekshaw, the first Field Marshal of the Indian Army, who was also born in Amritsar, Punjab. It exemplifies Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government's dedication to empowering Punjab's youth, especially women, to serve the nation.
Mr. Aman Arora said that this Rs. 2.46 crore state-of-the-art hostel is designed as a comprehensive residential and training facility with modern amenities, including a cyber lab, indoor shooting range and top-notch fitness facilities, providing an ideal environment for 40 girl cadets, who are preparing for the NDA. It would create a supportive and focused environment for their preparations, besides offering a holistic ecosystem for their development as future commissioned officers.
While assuring the Institute Administration full support from the state government, he informed that CM Mann led state government has commenced the NDA Preparatory Wing at the Institute in July 2023, which has already seen tremendous response from girls aspiring to join Defence Services as commissioned officers.
Meanwhile, the Employment Generation Minister felicitated Lady Cadets, who have cleared the NDA written exam and those recommended for commission, including Lady Cadet Sehjaldeep Kaur, who created history by securing the highest marks in the SSB interview pan-India amongst boys and girls, a first for any girl so far. This unfolds a new chapter as Mai Bhago's spirit of courage inspires Punjab's women to don the uniform and lead the nation forward.
While addressing the lady cadets, Mr. Aman Arora stated, “We are providing a launchpad for the dreams of our daughters to soar high. CM Mann Led government is committed to shattering every glass ceiling. This wing is a testament to our belief that the girls of Punjab are second to none and are destined to lead from the front in the Armed Forces.”
Principal Secretary Employment Generation Ms. Alaknanda Dayal, Director Ms Amrit Singh, Director Mai Bhago AFPI Major General Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (Retd.) & other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.