National Service Scheme

24.04.2024

National Service Scheme

Why in the news?                  

          Trained National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from 153 NSS units will offer their services to differently abled people and senior citizens in Kozhikode district on the day of polls.

About National Service Scheme:

• It was launched during 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India.
• It provides an opportunity to the student youth of the 11th & 12th Class of schools at +2 Board level and student youth of Technical Institution, Graduate & Post Graduate at colleges and University level of India to take part in various Government led community service activities & programmes.

Objectives of NSS

• To understand the community in which they work;
• To understand themselves in relation to their community;
• To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in the problem solving process.
• To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility;
• To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems;
• To develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities:
• To gain skills in mobilizing community participation;
• To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;
• To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters; and
• To practice national integration and social harmony

Enrollment in NSS

• It is a voluntary scheme.
• It starts from 11th Standard onwards.
• At college level the NSS volunteers will be enrolled from the first and second year degree-class students.
• The students from foreign countries studying in Indian universities can also join NSS so that they may share the experiences of national reconstruction and community work.
• NCC cadets will not be allowed to join NSS.
• Similarly NSS volunteers will not participate in NCC or any other youth organization as long as they are in NSS.

About the NSS symbol:

• It is based on the "Rath" wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Odisha.
• The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of mankind.
• The Red colour in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood i.e. lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit.
• The giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the cycle of creation, preservation and release and signify the movement in life across time and space.

○Activities undertaken by NSS: National Integration Camp, Shramdaan. Blood donation, Immunization, Plantation, Disaster Management and Adventure programs etc.

○Motto: The motto of National Service Scheme is NOT ME BUT YOU

○Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

                                                                                                                    Source: The Hindu