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National Service Scheme

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Background History of the National Service Scheme:

The University Grants Commission, headed by S. Radhakrishnan, recommended the introduction of voluntary national service in academic institutions after Independence was achieved. The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) reconsidered this proposal at its meeting in January 1950; after analyzing the idea and the experiences of other countries in this field, the board suggested that students and teachers devote time to voluntary manual work. The need for social and labor services for Indian students for one year was stressed in the government’s drafted first Five-Year Plan, which was implemented in 1952. In a letter to chief ministers in 1958, Jawaharlal Nehru considered the idea of social service as a prerequisite for graduation. To introduce national service into academic institutions, he directed the Ministry of Education for developing an appropriate program.

Facts Related to National Service Scheme:

A conference of student representatives (from universities and institutes of higher education) held by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission in May 1969 unanimously agreed that a national-service scheme might be used to promote national integration. The details were quickly worked out, and an orientation camp was conducted in Rajghat. This camp was closed on June 7, 1969. K.K. Gupta, a student at the University of Delhi, was declared the first volunteer. During the Fourth Five-Year Plan, the Planning Commission sanctioned a 5 crore budget for the NSS, with the stipulation that it be a pilot project at selected institutions and universities. V.K.R.V. Rao, Union Education Minister, launched the NSS at 37 universities across all states on September 24, 1969. The initiative has been extended to all states and universities in the country, as well as 10+2 level institutes in several states.

Objectives of the National Service Scheme:

  • To get an understanding of the community in which they work.
  • To understand oneself in relation to their community.
  • Identifying the community’s needs and problems and involving them in the problem-solving process.
  • To develop a sense of social and civic responsibility.
  • To use their knowledge to find practical solutions to individual and community problems.
  • Develop the required skills for group living and sharing responsibilities.
  • To gain knowledge on how to mobilize community involvement.
  • Developing leadership qualities and a democratic attitude.
  • Developing the capacity to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.
  • Strengthening social harmony and national integration.

Benefits of the National Service Scheme: 

An NSS volunteer that takes part in the community service initiative would be a college or senior secondary student. As active members, these student volunteers would get exposure and experience in the following :

  • A successful social leader
  • An effective administrator
  • A person who understands human nature 

The Motto of the National Service Scheme:

The National Service Scheme’s motto or watchword is ‘NOT ME BUT YOU.’ This reflects the essence of democratic living and supports the necessity for unselfish service, appreciation of someone’s point, and consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines the fact that an individual’s welfare ultimately depends on the welfare of society as a whole. As a result, the NSS should aim to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day programs.

Achievements of National Service Scheme:

In the past few years, the NSS Unit has been honored for its selfless social service and has received several accolades:

  • Khushiyaan Foundation received the ‘Social Service Excellence Award’ in 2019.
  • ‘Indian Development Foundation (IDF) 2019-Social Impact Award 2018-19,’.
  • NSS Fest ‘Udaan’, 2019- ‘Best College’ prize and trophy
  • Indian Development Foundation (IDF), 2019- ‘Best NSS Volunteer 2018-19’
  • NSS Fest ‘Udaan’ Fashion Show Competition Winner, 2019.
  • Winner of the BBC Fest Fashion Show competition in 2020.
  • Second place in the debate competition at the 2019 NSS Fest ‘Udaan.’
  • Third place in the Street Play competition at the 2019 NSS Fest ‘Hunar.’
  • Our efforts in the Swatch Bharat Abhiyan, 2019, were featured on Republic TV. 

National Service Day:

On September 24, 1969, the Father of the Nation’s birth centenary year, the NSS was formally launched. As a result, every year on September 24th, NSS Day is celebrated with appropriate programs and activities.

Symbol of the National Service Scheme:

The symbol for the National Service Scheme, which appears on the cover page of this Manual, is based on the ‘Rath’ wheel of Orissa’s Konark Sun Temple. The giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the preservation, cycle of creation,  and release, and also the movement of life across time and space. The symbol’s design, a simplified version of the Sun-chariot wheel, depicts movement.
The wheel represents life’s progressive cycle. It represents both continuity and change, and it implies NSS’s continued efforts toward social transformation and upliftment.  

Badge of the National Service Scheme:

The NSS badge has the NSS logo embossed on it. The eight bars on the NSS logo’s wheel represent the 24 hours of the day. The colour red indicates that the volunteer is full of young blood who is bright, active, energetic, and cheerful. The navy blue colour represents the cosmos, of which the NSS is a little part, ready to contribute to the welfare of mankind. 

Enrollment in National Service Scheme:

NSS is a volunteer initiative. The NSS initiative begins in the 11th grade. NSS volunteers will be enrolled from first and second-year degree classes at the college level. Students from other countries studying in Indian institutions can also join NSS to share their experiences with national reconstruction and community service. NCC cadets will not be allowed to join the NSS. Similarly, NSS volunteers will not participate in NCC or any other youth organization while they are members of NSS. 

Administrative Structure of the National Service Scheme:

At School/College Level:

The grass-roots unit in NSS is the unit at the college/+2 level. NSS units will be allocated to institutions based on the number of students enrolled. The number of units shall be determined by the Program Coordinator in consultation with the NSS Regional Directorate and the State NSS Officer, taking into account the institution’s needs. Normally, a unit will consist of 100 NSS volunteers. An NSS unit will be led by a Program Officer. 

At University Level:

Every university has an NSS Cell that supervises and coordinates the NSS Program at its affiliated colleges. Full-time Program Coordinators are employed by universities with over 10,000 NSS volunteers. Part-time program coordinators are employed by universities with less than 10,000 NSS volunteers. 

At State Level:

The program is coordinated at the state level by a State NSS Cell led by the State Liaison Officer (SLO). The Government of India provides full financial support for the establishment of the State NSS Cell. 

At the Regional Level:

NSS Regional Centers have been formed around the country to maintain communication with State Governments, Universities, +2 Councils, and TOC/TORCs in order to effectively implement the NSS Program. NSS Regional Centers (RC), which are subordinate field offices of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, are formed based on the number of volunteers and the size of the state.

Present Status of the National Service Scheme:

Today, NSS has over 3.86 million student youth enrolled in 41,442 NSS units spread across the country through 396 Universities/ +2 Councils, 16,331 Colleges/ Technical Institutions, and 28,621 Senior Secondary Schools. 

Themes of the program:

  • Health
  • Environment
  • Rural Development
  • Skill acquisition
  • Value Education

Awards:

There are suitable incentives/awards within the scheme to recognize the voluntary service rendered by NSS volunteers, Program Officers (POs), NSS Units, and University NSS Cells. Awards include:

  • Indira Gandhi National Service Award
  • Awards at the state level
  • Awards at the university level
  • Awards at the district level
  • Awards at the college level 

Activities:

Regular Activities (120 hours) and Annual Special Camp are the two types of activities (120 hours). All NSS Volunteers who have served NSS for at least two years and have completed 240 hours of work under NSS are eligible for a certificate signed by the Vice-Chancellor and the Program Coordinator. Annual camps are referred to as Special Camps. Camps are organized annually, are funded by the Indian government, and are generally located in a rural village or city suburb. Volunteers can take part in activities such as:

  • Cleaning
  • Afforestation
  • Stage performances or a procession create awareness of issues such as societal issues, education, and cleaning
  • Rallies to Create Awareness
  • Inviting doctors to health camps

There are no pre-defined or pre-assigned responsibilities, it is up to the volunteers to provide service in whichever way they can. NSS programs are generally performed between a week and ten days, while shorter camps are also conducted.

Related Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: 

Q1. What is the motto of the National Service Scheme? 

Answer: The National Service Scheme’s motto or watchword is ‘NOT ME BUT YOU.’ This reflects the essence of democratic living and supports the necessity for unselfish service, appreciation of someone’s point, and consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines the fact that an individual’s welfare ultimately depends on the welfare of society as a whole. As a result, the NSS should aim to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day programs.

Q2. List the National Service Scheme awards. 

Answer: There are suitable incentives/awards within the scheme to recognize the voluntary service rendered by NSS volunteers, Program Officers (POs), NSS Units, and University NSS Cells. Awards include:

  • Indira Gandhi National Service Award
  • Awards at the state level
  • Awards at the university level
  • Awards at the district level
  • Awards at the college level 

Q3. When is National Service Scheme day celebrated? 

Answer: On September 24, 1969, the Father of the Nation’s birth centenary year, the NSS was formally launched. As a result, every year on September 24th, NSS Day is celebrated with appropriate programs and activities.

Q4. What are the benefits of the National Service Scheme? 

Answer: An NSS volunteer that takes part in the community service initiative would be a college or senior secondary student. As active members, these student volunteers would get exposure and experience in the following :

  • A successful social leader
  • An effective administrator
  • A person who understands human nature 

Q5. Give the achievements of the National Service Scheme.

Answer:

  • Khushiyaan Foundation received the ‘Social Service Excellence Award’ in 2019.
  • ‘Indian Development Foundation (IDF) 2019-Social Impact Award 2018-19,’.
  • NSS Fest ‘Udaan’, 2019- ‘Best College’ prize and trophy
  • Indian Development Foundation (IDF), 2019- ‘Best NSS Volunteer 2018-19’
  • NSS Fest ‘Udaan’ Fashion Show Competition Winner, 2019.
  • Winner of the BBC Fest Fashion Show competition in 2020.
  • Second place in the debate competition at the 2019 NSS Fest ‘Udaan.’
  • Third place in the Street Play competition at the 2019 NSS Fest ‘Hunar.’
  • Our efforts in the Swatch Bharat Abhiyan, 2019, were featured on Republic TV


Last Updated : 22 Aug, 2022
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