The National Cadet Corps (NCC) recently marked its 73rd anniversary of foundation on the 28th of November. This comes after the Ministry of Defence in August 2020 approved an expansion proposal for the NCC into border and coastal districts. Furthermore, in March 2021, the Kerala High Court requested amendments in the National Cadet Corps Act (NCC Act) 1948, that currently prevents transgender people from joining the NCC.
Understanding the National Cadet Corps
The NCC has roots dating back to 1948 when it was established following recommendations from the H. N. Kunzru Committee set up two years prior. The origin of the NCC is tied closely with British era uniformed youth entities like the University Corps or University Officer Training Corps. Looking further into history, we see that the concept behind the formation of the NCC can be traced back to the ‘University Corps’ formed under the Indian Defence Act of 1917 aimed at addressing personnel shortage in the Indian Army.
A Change for Inclusive Representation
In 1949, only a year after its establishment, the NCC expanded its mandate to include the Girls Division. This crucial development was aimed at providing equal opportunities to women interested in serving the country’s defence systems. The organization today boasts a strength of approximately 14 lakh cadets representing Army, Navy and Air Force divisions, making it the largest uniformed youth organisation globally.
The Enrollment and Training Process
The NCC enrolls high school and college students and presents certificates upon completion of various phases. Cadets gain foundational military training at different tiers along with academic curriculum basics correlated with the Armed Forces and their operations. Key parts of this training involve attending multiple camps, participating in adventurous activities and military training sessions.
Under the Ministry’s Watchful Eye
The NCC operates under the Ministry of Defence’s jurisdiction, with a Director General of three-star military rank leading it.
Commendable Contributions and Significance of NCC
In light of various emergencies, NCC cadets have consistently proven their worth by participating in relief operations. Their most recent work involves lending aid during the ongoing pandemic, where over 60,000 cadets have offered voluntary relief assistance in collaboration with district and state authorities throughout India.
Their notable involvement in several initiatives like ‘Exercise – Yogdan’ for Covid-19 management has earned them nationwide appreciation. Cadets also actively participated in activities such as ‘Swachhta Abhiyan’, ‘Mega Pollution Pakhwada’ and played instrumental roles in promoting awareness about government initiatives like ‘Digital Literacy’, ‘International Day of Yoga’, ‘Tree Plantation’ and the Covid-19 vaccination drive.
Opportunities for Self-Development
The diverse curriculum and multifaceted activities offered by the NCC provide unique self-development opportunities for the youth. Several cadets have brought honor to both the nation and the organization through their exceptional achievements in sports and adventure fields. The NCC continues its unwavering efforts to shape today’s youth into the responsible citizens of tomorrow.
