In a significant initiative aimed at bolstering youth engagement and national service, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth has announced an ambitious expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). This plan entails the addition of three lakh new cadets across India and was unveiled during a pivotal conference for Special Joint State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General of the NCC held in Bhopal.
During his address, Minister Seth emphasized the transformative impact of the NCC in nurturing nationalism, discipline, and the spirit of service among young people. He stated, “The NCC instills a spirit of nationalism and service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to raise the number of cadets to between 17 and 20 lakh. With the support of all states, we will soon achieve this target.”
Following the minister’s announcement, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that several state governments have already expressed support for the expansion initiative. These states are reportedly expediting the establishment of training infrastructures necessary to accommodate the growing number of cadets.
Additionally, Minister Seth outlined several key reforms aimed at enhancing the organization. One of the notable reforms includes the recruitment of ex-servicemen as instructors, which is expected to create new job opportunities for military veterans while simultaneously improving the quality of training for cadets. He highlighted the NCC’s valuable contributions to various national initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Naya Savera, and Nasha Mukti Abhiyan.
Seth also celebrated the recent accomplishments of the NCC, particularly congratulating the cadet team that successfully summited Mount Everest on May 18. He described their achievement as “a powerful example of cadet courage and resilience.”
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the central and state governments, Seth called on state authorities to fulfill their commitments regarding manpower, infrastructure, and funding. He urged them to expedite their efforts to achieve the targets set forth in the NCC expansion plan.
At the conference, Director General of NCC, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, also shared insights on the organization’s future growth roadmap, emphasizing the need for improved training and camping infrastructure, as well as strategies to enhance youth participation and cadet performance across the nation.
This Bhopal conference stands as a crucial moment for the NCC, reaffirming its vital role as a national pillar for youth development and defense preparedness.
