'NCC needs to be popularised'

Training available in only 18 educational institutions in Kolar district

Speaking to Deccan Herald on the sidelines of commencement of training for NCC training for juniors and seniors here on Tuesday, Shukla said that the state governments, educational institutions, officers of National Cadet Corps and parents should enlighten students on the institution of National Cadet Corps from the early stage in academic life.

“Students should be made aware of benefits of joining the the NCC and programmes should be formulated in this direction. Unfortunately, such attempts are not being carried out at the expected level,” he lamented.

There are 18 National Cadet Corps units in the district, of which ten are of senior level and the balance eight, of junior level. In other words, National Cadet Corps units are functioning at 10 colleges and eight high schools only. NCC cadets, who come out of high schools completing junior level training in NCC course, have to continue the training by joining senior level during pre-university course or any other equivalent courses.

However, the continuation of NCC education is not so easy in the district as there are only ten colleges with NCC units, he pointed out.

Disclosing that NCC is ready and equipped to train more number of students, Shukla said that the efforts would yield desired fruits if the local administration and educational institutions extend cooperation.

 He felt that there is a need to organise programmes creating interest and disseminating information on National Cadet Corps through nodal agencies such as Field and Publicity Department.

Benefits

Possessing NCC ‘B’ and ‘C’ certificates entitles one to special reservation in job opportunities. Such persons can occupy high posts at the beginning of their career itself. ‘C’ certificate holders are exempted from attending examinations conducted by Union Public Service Commission. However, the information on all these benefits is not being furnished to students. In spite of all these hiccups, there are as many as 13 lakh cadets in the country.

Shukla opined that educational institutions should evince special interest in setting up National Cadet Corps units in their schools and colleges. The present situation of NCC junior trainees searching for colleges which offer training for senior category, should be redressed at the earliest. The government and Education Department should join hands in chalking out programmes to popularise NCC.

The institution, apart from imparting leadership qualities in cadets, gives unique opportunity of serving one’s nation. NCC cadets are provided a special reservation has been provided in Army recruitments, he disclosed.

More than 500 girls and boys across the district are taking part in the training camp for junior and senior NCC cadets that commenced in the City on Tuesday.  The participants are being trained in various activities including map reading, self-defence, imbibing values of national integration and leadership qualities and measures to safeguard public properties during times of national calamities.

The camp is being held at district stadium. The participants have been accommodated at Ambedkar Hostel.

DH News Service