Brief Introduction of National Service Scheme (NSS)

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides opportunity to the student youth of 11th & 12th Class of schools at +2 Board level and student youth of Technical Institution, 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 minimum 120 hours of service per year for two years, i.e., total 240 hours. This work is undertaken in villages/ slums adopted by NSS unit 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-year period. Thus, about 50 percent 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 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 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 the mankind.

Motto

The motto of 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 a NSS Volunteer

The main beneficiary of the NSS Programmes is the Volunteer. A youth Volunteer enroll him / her self 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 plays a role of administrator, organizer and a leader. Where they get an opportunity to work with and to serve the community to develop necessary skills.