Guwahati, Oct 15 (PTI): Union Minister Sanjay Seth on Thursday said time-bound and coordinated efforts must be ensured between all stakeholders, including the Centre and state governments, for strengthening the National Cadet Corps (NCC) movement, highlighting its role in shaping youth with confidence, skills and a deeper sense of responsibility towards the nation.
He also emphasised encouraging more female participation in the NCC movement so that they can take up leadership roles in the future.
The Minister of State for Defence was speaking at a joint conference of state representatives and additional director generals here, held under the aegis of the North Eastern Region Directorate of the NCC. The meeting covered the eight North Eastern states, and West Bengal.
Seth said the expansion of NCC was a key priority under the Narendra Modi-led government, with the prime minister himself being a cadet.
The Union minister said strengthening of NCC requires efforts from all stakeholders, including Centre-state partnership, and stressed time-bound and coordinated action to ensure expansion of the movement.
“Our endeavour must be to ensure that every cadet who enters NCC emerges with greater confidence, discipline, skills and a deeper sense of responsibility towards the nation,” he said.
Seth also highlighted the efforts of NCC towards promoting ‘Naari Shakti’ by encouraging more girl cadets.
“The North Eastern region and West Bengal have immense potential to become a strong centre for empowering our girl cadets through adventure, leadership and community engagement activities,” he maintained.
Urging support from the state governments so that the benefits of the expansion reach the youth, particularly in areas where there is greater demand for NCC, he said, “The objective should be not merely to increase numbers, but to provide meaningful opportunities for character building, leadership and nation-building.”
Equally important is the availability of adequate state civilian manpower and institutional support, Seth said, as he requested the concerned states to expeditiously address manpower requirements and facilitate necessary administrative arrangements.
Stressing the need for budgetary support, the Union minister said the issue of meeting financial requirements was discussed, particularly in respect of West Bengal.
“I am confident that the new state government will extend the requisite financial and administrative support to NCC, commensurate with its growing footprint and responsibilities,” he said.
Seth also highlighted the need for permanent and modern NCC training academies, stating that such infrastructure in areas such as the North Eastern region and other geographically challenging parts will provide cadets with opportunities in adventure, leadership, physical fitness and skill development.
He further said integration of NCC with the education system through elective and credit-bearing courses was also discussed during the conference.
“This is an important step towards mainstreaming NCC within the academic framework and recognising the substantial learning that takes place through NCC training. I would urge the states and educational institutions to take forward this initiative so that NCC becomes an even more integral part of the educational and personality development ecosystem,” he added.
