Brief Introduction of National Service Scheme (NSS)
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides an opportunity to the student youth of 11th & 12th Class of schools at +2 Board level and student youth of Technical Institutions, Graduate & Post Graduate at colleges and University level of India to take part in various government-led community service activities & programmes. Today, it is one of the largest youth development programmes in India. Although, initially it was launched in 37 Universities involving about 40,000 volunteers. Currently, more than 36.5 lakh volunteers are enrolled in 39,695 NSS units spread over 391 Universities/ +2 Councils, 16,278 Colleges and Technical Institutions and 12,483 Senior Secondary Schools. Since its inception, over 4.78 crore students have benefited from NSS.
Aim
The sole aim of the NSS is to provide hands-on experience to young students in delivering community service. Each NSS volunteer is required to put in a minimum of 120 hours of service per year for two years, i.e., a total of 240 hours. This work is undertaken in villages/ slums adopted by NSS units or in school/ college campuses. usually after study hours or during weekends/ vacations. Besides, Each NSS unit organizes a Special Camp of 7 days’ duration in adopted villages or urban slums during vacations, with some specific projects, by involving the local communities. Each volunteer is required to participate in the Special Camp once during the 2 years. Thus, about 50 per cent of the NSS volunteers in a Unit participate in a particular Special Camp.
NSS Badge
All the youth volunteers who opt to serve the nation through the NSS-led community service wear the NSS badge with pride and a sense of responsibility towards helping the needy. The Konark wheel in the NSS badge having 8 bars signifies the 24 hours of the day, reminding the wearer to be ready for the service of the nation round the clock i.e., for 24 hours. The Red colour in the badge signifies the energy and spirit displayed by the NSS volunteers. The Blue colour signifies the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of mankind.
Motto
The motto of the National Service Scheme is “NOT ME BUT YOU”. This reflects the essence of democratic living and advocates the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person’s point of view and also to show consideration for fellow human beings.
Benefits of Being an NSS Volunteer
The main beneficiary of the NSS Programmes is the Volunteer. A youth Volunteer enrols him/herself to the NSS Programmes with a willingness to render voluntary service to the community. During this tenure and his / her involvement with the community, volunteers play the role of administrator, organizer and leader. Where they get an opportunity to work with and serve the community to develop the necessary skills.
NSS Unit in the Govt. Degree College Drang at Narla
Currently, NSS is working with half unit in Government Degree College Drang at Narla, Mandi with an enrolment of 50 volunteers under the guidance of programme officer Prof. Suresh Kumar. As a volunteer students first register and enroll themselves for two years in the NSS unit and get engaged in regular as well as special camp activities. A volunteer who completes 240 work hours in two academic sessions and attends one 7-day special camp is awarded a certificate.