Air India has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Indian Army to enhance training, employability, and livelihood opportunities for beneficiaries from the Indian armed forces community.
On the cooperation agreement with the Indian Army, P Balaji, Group Head Governance, Risk, Compliance and Corporate Affairs said, “Air India’s collaboration with the Indian Army reflects a shared purpose - to contribute to a broader nation-building effort. At its core, both the initiatives are centred around strengthening skills, enabling dignity through opportunity, and fostering empowerment. We are committed to working together and creating a scalable model that delivers sustained impact.”
Creating employment opportunities for Veer Naris
As part of the collaboration, Air India has committed targeted employment opportunities for Veer Naris (war widows) and their children through Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS). The programme proposes to recruit up to 20 Veer Naris and up to 40 children of Veer Naris.
Vocational training infrastructure for ASHA Schools
A key component of the initiative focuses on the development of vocational training infrastructure in Indian Army-supported ASHA (Army Special Help and Association) Schools. Founded in 1991, the ASHA schools ensure the education, therapy and long-term welfare of specially abled children of serving soldiers, veterans and civilians living in cantonment areas.
The programme includes establishment of vocational laboratories in 25 ASHA Schools. 10 schools are already a part of the pilot and15 more schools will eventually be included in the scale-up phase.
These training facilities will support experiential and applied learning across a diverse set of disciplines, including photography and visual storytelling, music, sports and performing arts, painting and creative expression, beauty and wellness, cooking and hospitality, electrical and technical skills, as well as boutique and tailoring.
Focus on skilling and inclusive growth
The collaboration aligns with broader priorities of advancing inclusive growth, workforce participation, and skill development while contributing to nation-building through meaningful engagement with the armed forces community. Through this initiative, Air India reinforces its role in supporting social impact by enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening community resilience.
