National Service Scheme

Introduction History of N.S.S: National Service Scheme (Under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and NSS cell, Higher and technical education, Govt. of Maharashtra.) has been introduced at Arts, Commerce, Science& Computer Science College, and Ashvi KD. Since 2001 as a part of the academic program.

National Service Scheme (NSS) has been playing a vital role in enriching the souls and minds of the students of the College since long time. The overall objective of the scheme is ‘Education and Service’ to the community and by the community. It is a programme for students to regal the needs of the community, when required. It also helps the students to communicate with the society. The students joining this scheme develop many behavioral interactive skills. They visit the rural areas as volunteers during the camps organized by the concerned college. The NSS volunteers take initiative in developing a Technocratic Environment and also help the underprivileged people to develop themselves. The scheme promotes the ability to present them in a better way. Thus the ultimate goal of the scheme is to strive to inculcate the bond of patriotism, national integration, brotherhood, communal harmony among the volunteers

After independence the University Grants Commission, headed by S. Radhakrishnan, recommended the introduction of voluntary national service in academic institutions. This idea was again considered by the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) at its meeting in January, 1950; after examining the idea and the experiences of other countries in this field, the board recommended that students and teachers should devote time to voluntary manual work. In the draft first Five-Year Plan adopted by the government in 1952, the need for social and labour service by Indian students for one year was stressed. In 1958 Jawaharlal Nehru, in a letter to the chief ministers, considered the idea of social service as a prerequisite for graduation. He directed the Ministry of Education to formulate a suitable scheme for the introduction of national service into academic institutions.In May 1969, a conference of student representatives (of universities and institutions of higher education) convened by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission also unanimously agreed that a national-service scheme could be an instrument for national integration. The details were soon worked out and orientation camp was organized at Rajghat. This camp was concluded on 7 June 1969.KKGupta from DU was declared first volunteer. The Planning Commission sanctioned an outlay of ₹5 crores for the NSS during the Fourth Five-Year Plan, stipulating that the NSS be a pilot project in selected institutions and universities. On 24 September 1969,

the then Union Education Minister V.K.R.V. Rao launched the NSS at 37 universities all states. The scheme has been extended to all states and universities in the country, and also +2 level institutes in many states.

Aims and objectives

The programme aims to instilling the idea of social welfare in students, and to provide service to society without bias. NSS volunteers work to ensure that everyone who is needy gets help to enhance their standard of living and lead a life of dignity. In doing so, volunteers learn from people in villages how to lead a good life despite a scarcity of resources. it also provides help in natural and man-made disasters by providing food, clothing and first aid to the disaster’s victims

To understand the community in which they work
To understand themselves in relation to their community
To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process
To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems
To develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities
To acquire leadership qualities and democratic
To gain skills in mobilizing community participation

About National Service Scheme

Coverage:

Started initially in 37 universities involving 40,000 volunteers, the scheme has grown over the years and it is implemented today with an involvement of more than 3.8 million volunteers spread over in 396 Universities, Polytechnics and 47 Councils of +2 level. The efforts of NSS volunteers have been widely acclaimed by the community, universities, colleges and general public as the NSS volunteers have been rendering selfless service to the community.

Motto:

The Motto of NSS “Not Me But You”, reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for self-less service. NSS helps the students development & appreciation to other person’s point of view and also show consideration towards other living beings. The philosophy of the NSS is a good doctrine in this motto, which underlines on the belief that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of the society as a whole and therefore, the NSS volunteers shall strive for the well-being of the society.

NSS Logo:

The logo for the NSS has been based on the giant Rath Wheel of the world famous Konark Sun Temple (The Black Pagoda) situated in Orissa, India. The Red & Blue colors contained in the logo motivate the NSS Volunteers to be active & energetic for the nation-building social activities. The wheel portrays the cycle of creation, preservation and release and signifies the movement in life across time and space, The wheel thus stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social change.

NSS Badge:

The NSS logo is embossed on the badge of NSS. The eight bars in the wheel of NSS logo represent the 24 hours of a day. The red colour indicates that the volunteer is full of young blood that is lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of the mankind.

Financial Arrangements:

The scheme is now a central sector scheme to organize Regular Activities (RA) and special Camping Programmes (SCPs). An amount of Rs.250/-per volunteer per annum is released towards Regular Activities (RAs) and Rs.450/- per volunteer per Special Camping Programme (SCP) which is of 7-days duration to be organized in the adopted villages/urban slums. In addition, the Government of India provides 100% financial assistance to run NSS Regional Directorates, State NSS Cells and Empanelled Training Institute (ETI).

Types of Activities

There are two types of activities: Regular Activities (120 hours) and Annual Special Camp (120 hours). All the NSS Volunteers who have served NSS for at least 2 years and have performed 240 hours of work under NSS are entitled to a certificate from the university under the signature of the Vice-Chancellor and the Programme Coordinator. The Annual camps are known as Special Camps. Camps are held annually, funded by the government of India, and are usually located in a rural village or a city suburb. Volunteers may be involved in such activities as:

Cleaning
Afforestation
Stage shows or a procession creating awareness of such issues as social problems, education and cleanliness
Awareness Rallies
Inviting doctors for health camps
Community Survey

There are no predefined or preassigned tasks; it is left up to the volunteers to provide service in any way that is feasible. Camps typically last between a week and 10 days, although camps for shorter periods are also conducted by NSS

Benefits of Being a NSS Volunteer:

A NSS volunteer who takes part in the community service programme would either be a college level or a senior secondary level student. Being an active member these student volunteers would have the exposure and experience to be the following:

an accomplished social leader
an efficient administrator
a person who understands human nature