PM lays foundation stone of Indian National Defence University

New Delh, May 23:  Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday laid the foundation stone of Indian National Defence University, a dedicated first-of-its-kind institution for training and research in military studies in Gurgaon.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister said that India well positioned to become a net security provider in our region and beyond.

This long awaited University will be instituted by an Act of Parliament with President of India as the Visitor and Defence Minister as the Chancellor.

It would be governed by its own norms and promote coordination and interaction between Armed Forces & non-Armed Forces institutions / establishments in the country.

It will focus on higher education in defence studies, defence management and defence science & technology. The University will offer post graduate studies and doctoral / post doctoral research.

The present institutes of Indian Armed forces would be affiliated with it such as National Defence College (NDC) New Delhi, Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington, College of Defence Management (CDM) Secunderabad and National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla.

The INDU would have provisions for other defence training institutions to get affiliated for award of degrees. The University would also provide opportunities for higher studies through distance learning to interested military & civilian personnel.

The University will be headed by its President, who would be a three star serving General / equivalent officer with C-in-C status on appointment.

The Vice-President will be a civilian. 66% of students would be from the Armed Forces, whereas 33% of students would be drawn from other government agencies, police & civilian.

The teaching faculty will comprise of both military personnel and civilians in the ratio of 1:1. The University is being planned on the lines of IIT/IIMs.