NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (NSS)                   

INTRODUCTION

NSS is a public service programme conducted by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt of India. It was started on 24^th September 1969 in the Gandhiji’s centenary year. NSS was started with 40,000 volunteers in 39 universities in undergraduate courses all over India. NSS for +2 level students was started in 1994- the silver jubilee year of NSS. At present 3.9 million volunteers are spread in more than 300 universities and +2 councils. It covers around 5-6% of the total student population in India.

HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF NSS

• Involvement of students in social services since pre independence.
• Ideological orientation is inspired by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation.
• Dream of Mahatma Gandhi: to give exposure to the youth to understand society and develop a sense of social responsibility towards society.
• UGC commission headed by Dr. S Radhakrishnan recommended the introduction of NSS academic institution.

OBJECTIVES OF NSS

• To understand the community in which student works.
• 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 a sense of social and civic responsibility.
• To utilise knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems.
• To gain skills in mobilising community participation.
• To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
• To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters.

AIM: DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALITY THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE

MOTTO: NOT ME BUT YOU

NSS ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

DIRECTORATE OF NSS, GOVT. OF INDIA

REGIONAL DIRECTORATE OF NSS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

STATE NSS CELL, RESPECTIVE STATE GOVERNMENT

UNIVERSITY/ +2 COUNCIL

FUNDING PATTERN

• NSS has become Central Sector Scheme (CSS) from 2016-17.
• 100 % Grant –in-Aid provided to the State Goverrnment by the Government of India
• Flow of Grant : all transanctions are through PFMS

PROGRAMME

• REGULAR ACTIVITIES
• SPECIAL CAMPING PROGRAMME

REGULAR ACTIVITY

• 120 hours in a year for 2 consecutive years.
• Provide Rs. 400 to each volunteer in regular programme
• Organised in a community place, college campus, adopted village, hospitals, local market, orphanage and old age home, etc.

TYPE OF ACTIVITIES UNDER REGULAR PROGRAMME

• BLOOD DONATION
• TREE PLANTATION
• HEALTH AND SANITATION
• LITERACY
• SOCIAL HARMONY
• DISASTER MANAGEMENT
• MOTIVATION OF YOUTH TO OPT VOCATIONAL TRAINING
• POPULARIZATION OF ORGANIC FARMING
• AWARENESS ON APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY
• LEGAL AWARENESS
• AWARENESS ON SOCIAL EVIL

SPECIAL CAMPING PROGRAMME

• It is a residential camp.
• A volunteer must attend one special camp of seven days within two years of volunteership.
• Camp to be organised either in adopted village or slum for a period of seven days.
• Camp should be organised during vacation.
• Adopted village/slum should be within 8 km. radius from school/college.
• Provide Rs. 700 to each volunteer for special camp.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING SPECIAL CAMPING PROGRAMME

• ENVIRONMENT ENRICHMENT AND CONSERVATION
• HEALTH, FAMILY WELFARE AND NUTRITION PROGRAMME
• SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMME
• PRODUCTION ORIENTED PROGRAMME
• RELIEF AND REHABILITATION DURING NATURAL CALAMITIES
• EDUCATION AND RECREATION

PRESENT STATUS OF NSS IN ASSAM

Government of India has sanctioned additional 17200 NSS volunteers during 2022-23.  As such, the total volunteer strength has increased from 46900 volunteers to 64100 volunteers

NSS AWARD

NSS award has been instituted by Sports & Youth Welfare Department, Government of Assam, since 2017-18. NSS Award has been conferred to the best program officers and best volunteer and the award comprises a cash award of Rs. 15000 and Rs. 10000 respectively and a certificate. From the year 2022-23, a new category of award namely “ Best University” has been introduced.