Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, on Tuesday announced a major expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), with plans to add three lakh new cadets across the country.
The announcement came during the inauguration of a conference of Special Joint State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General (JS R&A/D) of the NCC in Bhopal.
Speaking at the event, Seth emphasized the NCC’s role in nation-building and youth development. “The NCC instills a spirit of nationalism and service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to raise the number of cadets to between 17 and 20 lakh. With support from all states, we will soon achieve this target,” he said.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, several states have already expressed support for the initiative and have committed to fast-tracking the development of training infrastructure.
Seth also highlighted new initiatives such as the recruitment of ex-servicemen as instructors, noting that it creates employment opportunities for military veterans.
He lauded the NCC’s active participation in national missions such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Naya Savera scheme, and the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan. The minister also congratulated the NCC’s Mount Everest Expedition team, which successfully reached the summit on May 18, calling it “a powerful example of cadet courage and resilience.”
Underscoring the importance of centre-state cooperation, Seth urged state governments to fulfill their commitments in terms of manpower, infrastructure, and funding to ensure the success of the NCC expansion plan.
During the event, Director General of NCC, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, outlined the organisation’s achievements and future plans. He stressed the need for robust training and camping infrastructure nationwide and emphasized efforts to boost youth participation and enhance cadet performance.