National Service Scheme (NSS)
About National Service Scheme (NSS)
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides opportunity to the student. To take part in various Government led community service activities & programmes. The primary objective of developing the personality and character of the student youth through voluntary community service.With Moto of "Not me, But you" The caravan of the National Service Scheme started on 24 September 1969 from the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. In fact, as an Indian, the nation is paramount for all of us and serving our nation is the first objective of every citizen. For the accomplishment of mentioned objective, currently the NSS is providing a designated platform in different states to Youth for their all-round and inclusive development by organizing related creative activities in schools and universities, so the Youth power can be utilized in Country service
The NSS Badge Proud to Serve the Nation:
All the youth volunteers who opt to serve the nation through the NSS led community service wear the NSS badge with pride and a sense of responsibility towards helping needy.
The Konark wheel in the NSS badge having 8 bars signifies the 24 hours of a the day, reminding the wearer to be ready for the service of the nation round the clock i.e. for 24 hours.
Red colour in the badge signifies energy and spirit displayed by the NSS volunteers.
The Blue colour signifies the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of the mankind.
Motto:
The motto of National Service Scheme is NOT ME BUT YOU
The main objectives of National Service Scheme (NSS) are :
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Understand the community in which they work
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Understand themselves in relation to their community
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Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem-solving
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Develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility
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Utilise their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems
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Develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities
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Gain skills in mobilizing community participation
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Acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitudes
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Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters and
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Practice national integration and social harmony
Benefits of Being a NSS Volunteer:
A NSS volunteer who takes part in the community service programme can be a college level student. Being an active member these student volunteers would have the exposure and experience to be the following:
- an accomplished social leader
- an efficient administrator
- a person who understands human nature
Major Activities:
National Integration Camp (NIC):
The National Integration Camp (NIC) is organized every year and the duration of each camp is of 7 days with day-night boarding & lodging. These camps are held in different parts of the country. Each camp involves 200 NSS volunteers to undertake the scheduled activities.
Adventure Program:
The camps are held every year which are attended by approximately 1500 NSS volunteers with at least 50% of the volunteers being girl students. These camps are conducted in Himalayan Region in the North and Arunachal Pradesh in North East region. The adventure activities undertaken in these camps includes trekking of mountains, water rafting, Para-sailing and basic skiing.
NSS Republic Day Parade Camp:
The first Republic Day Camp of NSS Volunteers was held in 1988. The camp takes place in Delhi between 1st and 31st January every year with 200 NSS selected volunteers who are good in discipline, March-past and cultural activities.
A Contingent of selected NSS volunteers participates in the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath, New Delhi on 26th of January every year in accordance with the guidelines and requisition of the Ministry of Defence.
National Youth Festivals
National Youth Festivals are organized every year from 12th to 16th January by the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in collaboration with the State Governments in different parts of the country. Eminent guests, speakers and youth icons are invited to address and interact with about 1500 participating NSS volunteers during the National Youth Festivals.
How to register
The registration of this scheme is free, for which the student contacts the designated National Service Scheme Program Officer in their school. The duration of this scheme is two years and a total of 240 hours of social service has to be dedicated in this time period. The volunteer associated with the National Service Scheme has to participate in seven days camp.