Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved a proposal to add three lakh cadet vacancies to the National Cadet Corps (NCC). The expansion is expected to meet the increasing demand for NCC participation from educational institutions across the country.
NCC was established in 1948 with 20,000 cadets. With the recent approval for expansion, it’s sanctioned strength will soar to 20 lakh cadets, making it the largest uniformed youth organisation globally. With NCC now being offered as an elective subject as per the National Education Policy 2020, the expansion will be a step towards meeting the aspirations of the youth in assuming pivotal roles as future leaders of the nation, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the expansion will lead to proportionate distribution of vacancies across all states and Union territories, effectively reducing the waiting list of institutions aspiring for NCC enrolment.
The expansion plan includes the establishment of four new Group Headquarters and the addition of two new NCC units. According to the proposal, ex-servicemen will be hired as NCC instructors. The initiative will ensure quality training to the NCC cadets and generate employment opportunities for the veterans.