Chandigarh, March 16 (IANS) Alarmed by the depleting numbers of Punjab youth opting for the armed forces, the state government Tuesday announced an incentive of Rs.1 lakh to each of those who get admitted to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA).

Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal announced the incentives in his budget speech in the state assembly.

'To encourage the coming generation to join the armed forces, the state proposes to introduce an incentive scheme, of awarding Rs.1 lakh to youth from Punjab getting admission to the IMA and the NDA,' Badal said.

'We want our youth to join the armed forces and serve the nation,' Badal told the house while voicing his concern at the decreasing number of youth from the state opting for a career in the defence side.

The finance minister also announced incentives for ex-servicemen, war widows, disabled soldiers and others.