Punjab govt to motivate youths to join armed forces: Badal

He said the state government had set up Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute at Mohali to impart world class training to youths for joining the armed forces.

The Chief Minister said the first batch of 45 cadets had been getting training in the institute from April 2011 and the second batch from April this year.

He said the Punjab government would also set up a naval academy at Ropar to motivate youths to join the naval force.

Badal said the state government had provided 200 acres of prime land for setting up of a service selection centre at Ropar and had even handed over its possession to army.

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command Lt Gen S R Ghosh presented Badal the "Western Command Trophy for Best Cadet" on behalf of the institute.