National Service Scheme (NSS)

In News

• Recently, the President conferred the National Service Scheme NSS Awards for the year 2020-21.

Background

• National Service Scheme (NSS) was launched during 1969, the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi, in 37 universities involving 40000 students.
• NSS is an extension of the higher education system to orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institutions. 
• It is being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 

Aims and objectives of NSS

• To understand the community in which they work.
• To understand themselves in relation to their community.
• To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in the problem solving process.
• To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
• To utilise their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems.
• To develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities:
  • To gain skills in mobilising community participation.
  • To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
  • To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters.
  • To practice national integration and social harmony.

Enrollment in NSS

• NSS is a voluntary scheme. 
• NSS scheme starts from 11th Standard onwards. 
• At college level the NSS volunteers will be enrolled from the first and second year degree-class students. 
• The students from foreign countries studying in Indian universities can also join NSS so that they may share the experiences of national reconstruction and community work. 
• NCC cadets will not be allowed to join NSS. 
• Similarly NSS volunteers will not participate in NCC or any other youth organisation as long as they are in NSS.

Activities undertaken by NSS

• National Integration Camp
• Shramdaan
• Blood donation
• Immunisation
• Plantation
• Disaster Management
• Adventure programs.

Source: LM