On September 23, 2024, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the Joint State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General (JS R&A/D) Conference of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in New Delhi. In his address, he underscored the NCC’s vital role in nation-building, shaping disciplined, responsible, and motivated young citizens while fostering essential leadership skills. Key Highlights
Shri Seth emphasized the NCC's active involvement in national initiatives, including:
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- International Yoga Day
- Environmental Protection
- Digital Awareness
He called upon state governments to fulfill their commitments regarding manpower, funding, and infrastructure to support the NCC's growth and presence across regions.
Expansion Plans
The Raksha Rajya Mantri announced a significant expansion plan aimed at increasing NCC cadet vacancies by 300,000, raising the total strength from 1.7 million to 2 million in the coming years. This expansion will also include the appointment of ex-servicemen as NCC instructors, leveraging their expertise to provide high-quality training and create new employment opportunities for veterans.
Achievements and Future
Directions Lt. Gurbirpal Singh, Director General of NCC (DGNCC), shared insights into the progress and achievements of the NCC over the past two years. He presented plans for future expansions, focusing on establishing well-equipped training and camping infrastructure across various states to motivate and incentivize cadets.
Collaboration and Coordination
The biennial JS R&A/D conference brought together Ministers of Education and Youth & Sports, along with senior representatives from departments handling NCC affairs in their respective states. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, DGNCC, and NCC heads from all states participated, highlighting the collaborative nature of NCC activities. The conference serves as a crucial platform for planning, implementing, and coordinating NCC initiatives nationwide, reflecting the shared responsibility of Central and State Governments in policy, finance, and administration. This event marks a significant step towards enhancing the NCC's contribution to national development and empowering the youth of India.