NCC, NSS

Subject: National Agencies

Context : The Supreme Court on Friday directed the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS) and Bharat Scouts and Guide to assist the one-man committee of retired apex court judge to contain the menace of stubble burning.

Concept :

National Cadet Corps

• The NCC was formed in 1948 (on the recommendation of H. N. Kunzru Committee-1946), and has its roots to British era uniformed youth entities like University Corps or University Officer Training Corps.
• Currently it has a strength of around 14 lakh cadets from Army, Navy and Air Force wings.
• The NCC falls under the purview of the Ministry of Defence and is headed by a Director General of three-star military rank.
• It enrolls cadets at high school and college level and also awards certificates on completion of various phases.

National Service Scheme (NSS):

• It is an Indian government-sponsored public service program conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India.
• The scheme was launched in Gandhiji’s Centenary year in 1969.
• The University Grants Commission (UGC) headed by Radhakrishnan recommended introduction of national service in the academic institutions on a voluntary basis with a view to developing healthy contacts between the students and teachers on the one hand and establishing a constructive linkage between the campus and the community on the other hand.