NCC

Subject: Schemes

Context:

In Independence Day speech, Prime Minister spoke about the expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in coastal and border districts of India.

Concept:

• The NCC, which was formed in 1948, has its roots to British era uniformed youth entities like University Corps or University Officer Training Corps.
• Currently the NCC has strength of around 14 lakh cadets from Army, Navy and Air Force wings.
• It enrolls cadets at high school and college level and also awards certificates on completion of various phases.
• Headed by a Director General of three-star military rank, the NCC falls under the purview of Ministry of Defence and is led by serving officers from the Armed forces at various hierarchical positions.
• The NCC currently has 17 regional directorates which govern the NCC in units in various states or groups of states and union territories.
• The NCC cadets receive basic military training at various levels and also have academic curriculum basics related to Armed forces and their functioning. Various training camps, adventure activities and military training camps are an important aspect of NCC training.
• NCC cadets have played an important role over the years in relief efforts during various emergency situations.