National Cadet Corps isn’t just about training youth to be a responsible and disciplined citizens but also ensures their overall development through interesting curriculum and training camps, says lieutenant General Aniruddha Chakravarty, Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), director general of NCC in an interview
What is the methodology of training the National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadetsIJ
The multi-faceted training in NCC comprises institutional training, camp training, adventure training, sports, youth exchange programme and social service and community development activities. The adventure training includes trekking, mountaineering, para sailing, scuba diving, yachting and slithering.
Cadets also participate in the Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament, Subroto Cup Football Tournament, NCC National Games and National level shooting events. Cadets undergo basic and advanced leadership camps. Selected cadets attend SSB coaching at the NCC academies.
How does this benefit the overall development of the cadetsIJ
The camp training helps in developing camaraderie, team-work, leadership qualities, sportsmanship, self-confidence, self-reliance and dignity of labour among cadets. The aim of NCC training is to develop leadership and character qualities, mould discipline and nurture social integration and cohesion. Debates and group discussions have been included in the curriculum with a view to improve their communication skills. This helps in career selection and preparation.
Tell us about the NCC Youth Exchange Programme (YEP)IJ
The aim of YEP is to promote country to country exchange of cadets belonging to NCC or equivalent Government or Youth organisation of friendly countries. YEP creates awareness among participants as also appreciation the socio-economic and cultural aspects of each other. NCC’s YEP is spread across ten countries which includes Russia, Singapore, Sri lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Turkmenistan and Kazhakastan.
How is NCC contributing towards Nation buildingIJ
Since the inception of NCC in 1948, it has helped to train and motivate the youth, citizens and leaders to become responsible and disciplined. It has espoused the cause of unity and national integration among the cadets. NCC’s social and community development activities aim of imbibing the qualities of selfless service and dignity of labour among cadets.
What is the present strength of NCC in IndiaIJ
There are 15 lakh cadets covering 15,722 institutions and spread over 670 districts across the country. Out of 800 NCC units, 677 is Army, 62 is Navy and 61 is Air units placed under 96 group headquarters. 17 NCC directorates oversee NCC activities of one or more States/UTs.
Any plans of expansionIJ
We are increasing the number of NCC establishments to absorb the additional cadet strength. In all, 5 group headquarters and 61 units (43 Army, 13 Navy and 5 Air) are planned to be raised by the year 2015-16. We are also giving out of turn allotment to fully self-financed institutions.