Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that with changing times, India is moving rapidly towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector and is witnessing a fundamental transformation in its defence industrial ecosystem.
Addressing the PM-SETU Industry Conclave in Lucknow today, Defence Minister said that the government is promoting indigenous design, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and increasing the participation of the private sector and MSMEs in the defence sector.
Mr Singh said that PM-SETU is a significant step towards transforming India’s demographic strength into a demographic dividend. He informed that under the scheme, one thousand Government Industrial Training Institutes, ITIs, are being upgraded on the 200 hubs and 800 spokes model.
Earlier in the day, the Minister laid foundation stones for various development projects worth around 101 crore rupees in the presence of CM Yogi Adityanath and said that inclusive development is the true essence of a developed India, ensuring quality education, clean water, employment opportunities and dignity for all. He added that the new Building Bye-Laws being implemented in various cantonment areas, including Lucknow, have opened up new possibilities for infrastructure development and construction.
Defence Minister also unveiled the statue of freedom fighter Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi and said that women pilots played a pivotal role during Operation Sindoor. He added that these are the women of new era, and the government is providing them opportunities and security.
