Defence Welfare Call
Welcome to The Chamber for Service Industry who initiated the Defence Welfare Call in 1988
DWC a pivotal movement aimed at reintegrating Defence personnel into the service industry. Recognizing the unique skill sets and disciplined mindset of these individuals, the Chamber advocated for their reoccupation in sectors such as Travel & Tourism and Hospitality, Retail, Logistic Mgt.,MICE and Entertainment, Health & Wellness, IT & ITES with icing of Future Skills.
Over the years, the initiative gained momentum, with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) being advised periodically to enhance the employability of Defence personnel through targeted short-term as well as mid term level training programs. This included a six-month intensive training program conducted in collaboration with prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other renowned management schools. Besides, Awareness Programmes.
We are also proud to conceive, plan and initiate Hotel Management & Culinary Institute for Armed Forces in 1989 at Bengaluru under the dynamic leadership of then AG and CoAS.
Continuing to evolve, Post Pandemic the Chamber’s focus expanded to include research, skills, and talent management, exemplified through the establishment of Finishing School-Digital Inspirational Labs. These labs aimed to equip Defence personnel with the necessary skills and competencies to thrive in civilian roles, emphasizing practical training and real-world applications. The program’s success has been evident in the smooth transition of many ex-servicemen into the service industry, contributing significantly to the sector’s growth and innovation.
However, with the rapid advancements in technology, it is imperative to reexamine and update these training programs. The contemporary landscape is heavily influenced by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, and Innovation, necessitating a shift in focus towards future competencies. Integrating AI and technology-driven modules into the curriculum will better prepare Defence personnel for the current job market. Moreover, emphasizing cyber security training is crucial, given the increasing threats in the digital domain.
To ensure these programs remain relevant and effective, a comprehensive review is needed. This includes consulting industry experts, analysing future trends, and incorporating feedback from participants. By aligning training initiatives with the demands of the modern economy, the Chamber for Service Industry can continue to provide Defence personnel with the tools they need to succeed, ensuring their valuable skills are utilized effectively in the service industry.
The MSME Service Industry holds tremendous potential for the meaningful reoccupation of Defence personnel, particularly in diverse sectors such as Rural Tourism, Village Tourism, Agri Tourism, Farm Tourism, Nature Tourism, Wildlife Tourism, Medical Tourism, Spiritual Tourism, and Pilgrimage Tourism. Leveraging their disciplined work ethic, leadership skills, and adaptability, Defence personnel can play a pivotal role in facilitating and managing operations in these areas. As facilitators and operations managers, they can bridge the gap between rural experiences and urban expectations, ensuring seamless integration with travel trade, tourist transporters, and mobile outlets of traditional, authentic, and fast food joints. Their involvement in the growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism industry can further elevate the standard of services offered, contributing to the sector’s growth and sophistication.
Defence personnel can also contribute significantly to education and skills development through coaching centers in their hometowns, providing high-quality education and skill training. Their experience in disciplined training and management can be leveraged to create engaging and impactful learning environments. Furthermore, they can be instrumental in the entertainment and health and wellness sectors, utilizing their organizational skills and attention to detail to enhance the quality of services provided. In the realm of IT and ITES, Defence personnel’s familiarity with technology and systematic approaches can drive innovation and efficiency.
Promoting the authentic essence of India to visiting tourists is another area where Defence personnel can excel. Their ability to manage and execute events can bring traditional rural welcomes, dances, music, fairs, festivals, traditional costumes, and souvenirs to life, offering a unique and immersive experience for tourists. This not only helps in preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage but also creates a niche market that can attract a significant number of tourists. Their involvement in these sectors can lead to economic multipliers, generating employment, fostering prosperity, and controlling migration to cities by offering par excellence services in villages.
Given the MSME sector’s status as the backbone of the Indian economy, its role in boosting employment and fostering entrepreneurship is undeniable. By focusing on the skills of ex-servicemen, creating appropriate awareness, and making optimal use of various Government of India schemes, the nation can harness the potential of Defence personnel in these emerging segments of the service industry. This initiative not only supports the reoccupation of Defence personnel but also contributes to the nation’s economic growth, rural development, and overall prosperity. Hence, working collaboratively towards these goals will ensure that the skills and experiences of ex-servicemen are effectively utilized, leading to a thriving and self-reliant economy.
During their training and service tenure, Defence personnel acquire a plethora of invaluable traits that make them exceptional candidates for reoccupation in various sectors. The principle of “nation first” instils a profound sense of duty, patriotism, and loyalty, ensuring they prioritize the collective good over individual gains. Honesty and integrity become second nature, fostering trust and reliability in all their endeavours. Hard work and sincerity are ingrained through rigorous training regimens and challenging missions, while discipline and resilience are honed by overcoming adversities and maintaining composure under pressure. These individuals are also trained to be resourceful, demonstrating creativity and the ability to make optimal use of existing resources in even the most constrained environments. Leadership traits are developed through command roles and team dynamics, enabling them to lead by example and inspire others. Their consistently positive attitude and problem-solving mindset further enhance their adaptability and effectiveness in any role.
The Chamber for Service Industry can play a crucial role in highlighting these traits to the corporate world, demonstrating the immense value Defence personnel can bring to civilian roles. By effectively communicating these attributes, the Chamber can bridge the gap between demand and supply, ensuring that the unique skills of ex-servicemen are recognized and utilized by businesses. Fine-tuning these inherent traits with innovative present and future skills and competencies through targeted training programs can further enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
The MSME service industry, in particular, stands out as a comprehensive solution to the wide spectrum of work scopes that Defence personnel can undertake. Whether through employment or entrepreneurship, these individuals can excel in various sectors, including Rural Tourism, Agri Tourism, Health and Wellness, IT and ITES, and more. Their ability to manage operations, lead teams, and drive initiatives aligns perfectly with the needs of MSMEs, which are crucial for economic growth and employment generation. By harnessing the potential of ex-servicemen, the MSME sector can not only address workforce demands but also foster innovation, efficiency, and excellence across industries, contributing significantly to the nation’s development and prosperity.Top of FormBottom of Form
CSI – Chamber for Service Industry is committed to help its 2.6 million ex-servicemen, and 60,000 widows, including war widows, i.e., a combined total of 3.2 million, of whom about 86 percent are widows, Junior Commissioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and other ranks, and about 14 percent are officers.