Disclosing this during the inauguration of the first ITI of its kind here today, Chief of the Army Staff, Gen V P Malik said that the West Bengal and Orissa state governments had also agreed to extend assistance to establish Army ITIs in their states.

He said the need for setting up such a training institute was felt because a large number of soldiers who retire in their thirties or forties do not possess any recognised certificate or diploma, even if they have the requisite technical knowledge or experience. The training and discipline acquired by soldiers during their service has to be adjusted to suit civil requirements, he said.

While stating that co-operation between the Army and the state governments was vital for ensuring that such institutes were successful, he said that the Army's endeavour was to set up such ITIs in every state.

Gen Malik said that participation of the local industry during training and post-training period was important so that training is as per the local requirement.

The Ambala ITI, set with the assistance of the Haryana government which had given a grant of Rs 1 crore, presently has a strength of 110 students and offers six courses including computer software, welding, electronics, refrigeration, vehicle mechanic and electrician.

Speaking on the occasion, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen H. B. Kala said that the institute's expansion plans envision increasing the number of trades to 12 in the second phase and then to 18 in the third phase. The student capacity will be increased to 360, including war widows and dependents. Hostel facilities will also be created in the third phase.

The General Officer Commanding, 2 Corps, Lt Gen G. S. Sihota, said that a course in information technology as well as a ``helpline'' and a placement cell would be introduced.

Meanwhile, an Army spokesman said that initially, reemployed offices and qualified ex-servicemen had been appointed as instructors and a permanent instructional staff would be appointed shortly.

Col G S Tattla from EME Corps has been appointed dean of the institute. It will function under the supervision of the senior-most formation in the station.

Reservation for trainees in state-run and state-assisted industries has also been sought, for which the response from the Haryana government has been favourable.

An equipment display of combat, technical and engineer equipment highlighting various innovations and improvisation to suit indigenous needs and to overcome the resource crunch was also put up.