Effective Defence-Industry Ecosystem Taking Shape In The Country

Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande said on Wednesday that the country is building a strong defense-industry ecosystem and that veterans with their field experience are “ideally suited” to help with the study and development of new technologies that the force needs.

He said that the Army’s duty to care for its veterans is still a “sacred commitment” in his speech at the Army Welfare Placement Organization Summit 2024, which took place at the Manekshaw Center here.

The summit’s goal was to bring together different groups on a single stage so that there would be less of a gap between what businesses need, what veterans can do, and what AWPO wants to do.

“There is a need for skilled and experienced workers in the industry, but there is also a pool of veterans with the right experience and unique skills that become available every year when they leave active duty.” The Army chief said, “We are trying to make the two work better together and strengthen the ties that can help veterans get jobs in industry, PSUs, and quasi-government organizations.”

He said that the veterans, who have worked in the field and know about operational conditions, the logistics of the systems, and the different types of weapons, “are perfectly suited for incorporating into indigenous research, development, innovation, and manufacturing of technological solutions required by the Indian Army.”

Gen. Pande said that they also have leadership skills, a deep knowledge of people, and can help with ergonomics and user interface design, all of which are important for making equipment that is easy for people to use.

He talked a lot about how important soldiers are to the country’s success.

Gen. Pande said that soldiers’ service to the country “does not end” when they leave the military. Instead, he said, it marks the start of “a new chapter” or second innings of dedication to building society and the country.

The head of the Army stressed that the Army has started the process of holistic skill certification based on each person’s core ability. This has been done in partnership with the Ministries of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

He also talked about programs like “Project KAUSHALVEER” that, according to him, help service members get certified in skill sets that meet industry norms.

When Gen Pande talked about the “Veer Naris,” he said that they are very determined and strong.

He told the business owners that they should include them in their plans to hire more people.