Defence Minister, Manohar Parikar plans to increase participation of women in defence forces and also increase their number in armed forces which presently stands at 3298 only.<br/><br/> Mr. Pariker and Punjab Chief Minister inaugurated "Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Girls at S.A.S Nagar Mohali near Chandigarh today to prepare girls for recruitment in defence forces as officers.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion the Defence Minister said establishment of this institute, which is first of its kind in Asia, will encourage girls to join armed forces, and is a forward step for women empowerment. .<br/><br/>Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal said that the institute has been set up on a plot of nearly 9 acres with a cost of 12 crore.<br/><br/>Twenty five girls have been admitted there who will get training to join forces along with their studies. All the girls will get every training facility free of cost.<br/><br/>Chief Minister announced any defence personnel belonging to Punjab winning Param Param Vir Chakra will be awarded with Rs. 2 crore and Mahavir Chakra winner will get Rs. 1 crore while Vir chakra winner will be awarded with Rs. 50 lakh rupees.<br/><br/><br/>