In a significant move aimed at democratizing the aviation sector, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday laid out a comprehensive vision to transform the state into a major hub for the aviation industry. He declared that the era where flying was an exclusive domain of the elite is now over.
Making Aviation Accessible to All
Interacting with aircraft engineers and trainees at the historic Patiala Flying Club, Mann emphasized his government's commitment to building a robust and inclusive aviation ecosystem. The focus is on providing quality, affordable, and world-class training aligned with global industry standards. This initiative is specifically designed to enable children from middle-class and rural backgrounds—such as families of farmers, shopkeepers, and teachers—to pursue careers that were once considered far beyond their reach.
The Chief Minister revealed a groundbreaking subsidy model for pilot training. He noted that while private institutes charge between Rs 40 to 45 lakh to train a commercial pilot, the Patiala Flying Club offers a massive 50% subsidy. This brings the total fee down to an affordable Rs 22 to 25 lakh, a reduction of nearly Rs 20 lakh. "Among the 32 trainee pilots here, most are the first in their families to enter the aviation sector," Mann stated, highlighting the transformative impact of this policy.
Preserving Heritage and Inspiring Futures
Mann also detailed plans for an upcoming Aviation Museum at the Patiala Aviation Complex, being built at a cost of Rs 7 crore. This museum will not only preserve India's rich flying heritage by displaying artifacts like MiG aircraft and second-generation helicopters but will also serve as an inspiration for the younger generation. It aims to ignite curiosity and encourage youth to look skyward and aim higher in their careers.
On the occasion, the Department of Civil Aviation also launched its new official website, dca.punjab.gov.in, to streamline information and services.
Affordable Technical Education and Job Creation
For students interested in the technical side of aviation, the Punjab government offers highly affordable courses at the Patiala Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) College. Mann highlighted that the institute runs India's most economical AME and B.Sc (Hons) programmes. The total cost for a three-year B.Sc (Hons) plus a three-year DGCA-approved AME course is only Rs 3 lakh, compared to Rs 5 to 8 lakh in other states.
To ensure social inclusivity, 33% of seats are reserved for students from Scheduled Caste and Backward Class communities. The government's philosophy, as stated by the CM, is to create "job givers rather than job seekers." He expressed immense pride that over 4,000 trained professionals from the Patiala Flying Club and College are now employed with major companies, commanding an average starting salary of Rs 1.5 lakh per month.
The Patiala Flying Club, established in 1965 and spread over 253 acres, is a premier institution. It ranks seventh nationwide and operates a fleet of seven training aircraft. Its facilities include night landing capability at Patiala airfield and training experience at the Amritsar International Airport.
Concluding his address, CM Mann extended his best wishes to the students, urging them to stay grounded, believe in hard work, and carve a niche for themselves in the promising field of aviation. He reaffirmed that Punjab holds tremendous scope for progress and prosperity in this sector.
