NSS

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is an Indian government sector public service program conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India

The overall aim of National Service Scheme as envisaged earlier, is to give an extension dimension to the higher education system and orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institution.  The students have a tendency to get alienated from the village/slum masses which constitute the majority of the population of the country. The educated youth who are expected to take the reins of administration in future are found to be unaware of the problems of the village/slum community and in certain cases are indifferent towards their needs and problems. Therefore it is necessary to arouse the social conscience of the students, and to provide them an opportunity to work with the people in the villages and slums. It is felt that their interaction with the common villagers and slum dwellers will expose them to the realities of life and bring about a change in their social perception.

Objectives of NSS

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

Motto of NSS

The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is ‘NOT ME BUT YOU’. This reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person’s point of view and also to show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on the whole.

Administrative Structure

 The basic unit of NSS normally comprises of 100 volunteers at school/ college level. Each NSS unit in an institution is led by a teacher designated as ‘Programme Officer (PO)’, who plays a pivotal role as an educator, organiser, coordinator, supervisor, administrator and public relations person for the NSS unit under him.

Programme under NSS

The NSS has two types of programmes, viz., (a) Regular activities and (b) Special Camping programmes. Under the “Regular Activities”, students are expected to work as volunteers for a continuous period of two years, rendering community service for a minimum of 120 hours per annum (i.e. 240 hours over 2-year period). Under Special Camping Programme, a camp of 07 days’ duration is conducted every year in the adopted area on a specific theme. Each student is required to participate in at least one Special Camp over 2- year period. The nature of activities taken up under NSS continues to evolve in response to the needs of the community.

List of NSS Activities done in 2022-23