INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL TRIBAL UNIVERSITY,

AMARKANTAK (M.P.)484886

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME

"NOT ME, BUT YOU"

“PersonalityDevelopment of Students through CommunityService”
“Education through Community Service”

Introduction: -The National Service Scheme (NSS) is an Indian government-

sponsored public service program conducted by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports of
the Government of India. Popularly known as NSS, the scheme was launched in Gandhiji's
Centenary year, 1969. Aimed at developing student's personality through community service,
NSS is a voluntary association of young people in Colleges, Universities and at +2 level working
for a campus-community linkage. The cardinal principle of the NSS programme is that it is
organized by the students themselves, and both students and teachers through their combined
participation in community service, get a sense of involvement in the tasks of nation building.

The post independence era was marked by an urge for introducing social service for students,
both as a measure of educational reform and as a means to improve the quality of educated man-
power. The University Grants Commission headed by Dr.Radhakrishnan recommended
introduction of national service in the academic institutions on a voluntary basis with a view to
developing healthy contacts between the students and teachers on the one hand and establishing a
constructive linkage between the campus and the community on the other hand.

In India, the idea of involving students in the task of national service dates back to the times of
Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The central theme which he tried to impress upon his
student audience time and again, was that they should always keep before them, their social
responsibility. The first duty of the students should be, not to treat their period of study as one of
the opportunities for indulgence in intellectual luxury, but for preparing themselves for final
dedication in the service of those who provided the sinews of the nation with the national goods
& services so essential to society. Advising them to form a living contact with the community in
whose midst their institution is located, he suggested that instead of undertaking academic
research about economic and social disability, the students should do "something positive so that
the life of the villagers might be raised to a higher material and moral level".

Aims and objectives of National Service Scheme :The objective of the National Service
Scheme is “development of the personality of students through community service”. This
objective is sought to be achieved by enabling the students to work in community. The
programme aims to inculcate 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 victims.
The main objectives of National Service Scheme (NSS) are:

1. To enable the students to understand the community in which they work;

2. To understand themselves in relation to their community;

3. To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process;

4. To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility;

5. To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems;

6. To develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities;

7. To Gain skills in mobilizing community participation;

8. To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;

9. To develop capacity to meet emergencies and national disasters;

10. To practice national integration and social harmony.

Motto of National Service Scheme: 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
develop appreciation to other person's point of view and also show consideration to '/other living
beings. The philosophy of the NSS is well doctrined in this motto, which underlines/on the belief
that the welfare .of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of the society on the
whole and therefore, the NSS volunteers shall strive for the well-being of the society.
Logo of National Service Scheme :- The symbol 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 wheel portrays the cycle of creation, preservation and release and signifies the movement in
life across time and space, The symbol thus stands for continuity as well as change and implies
the continuous striving of NSS for social change.

Badge of National Service Scheme:- The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. The
NSS volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme of community service. The Konark
wheel in the symbol has eight bars which represent the 24 hours of the day. The Red colour in
the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood. i.e. lively, active energetic and full
of high spirit. The Navy Blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready
to contribute its share for the welfare of mankind.

NSS Day :-
NSS was formally launched on 24th September, 1969, the birth centenary year of the Father of
the Nation. Therefore, 24 September is celebrated every year as NSS Day with appropriate
programmes and activities.

NSS Song:-
During Silver Jubilee Year the NSS theme song ha s been composed. All NSS volunteers are
expected to learn the theme song and sing the song during NSS programmes and celebrations.
The theme song cassette is available and the theme song is given in the end of the Manual.

Regular activities of National Service Scheme :- Regular activities includes functional literacy
and non formal education, plantation, preservation and up keeping of trees, construction and
repair of roads, cleaning of village ponds and wells, construction and laying of parks, health
education and primary health care, first aid awareness, blood donation, anti drug addiction
drives, AIDS awareness, advocating advanced agricultural practice, disaster management
(Cyclones, floods, earth-quakes, drought), women empowerment, road safety, socio-economic
surveys, improvement of campus etc.

 Literacy/Educational Programme.

 Environment/Waster land development and conservation.

 Reconstruction/Repair of Roads.

 Immunisation/Health camps.

 Blood donation camps.

  Awareness camps on drug Abuse/AIDS( UTA)/HIV.
 Programmes for Woman.

 Work in Hospitals/Orphanages/ Destitute Homes.

 National Integration/Communal Harmony Programmes.

 Activities during emergencies such as flood, war earthquake, Tsunami etc.

 Celebration of important days.

 Adoption of villages
 Construction and repair of roads
 Afforestation
 Plastics eradication
 eye donation
 tree plantation

Flagship Programmes :-
o Environment awareness programme
o Anti-Drug Campaign
o Energy Conservation Programme
o Anti-Ragging Programme
o First aid training programme
o Traffic Awareness
o Skill development

NSS Volunteer:

(a)A student should have completed a minimum of two years of volunteer-ship in NSS.

(b) He/ She should have participated in atleast two Special Camping Programme and atleast

once in National Programmes like R.D. Parade Camp in Delhi, National Integration Camps,

National Motivation Camps, Inter State Youth Exchange Programmes etc. sponsored by the

Department of youth Affairs and Sports.

(c)He / She should not be less than 18 years and more than 25 years in age. In case od SC / ST,

the upper age limit can be relaxed by 3 years. In other words, the maximum age limit should

be 28 years for SC / ST.

(d)He / She should have completed 240 hours of community service during two consecutive
years of volunteer ship.

(e)His / Her academic performance should have been reasonably good.

Who can enroll :Any person who is enroll himself / herself as a regular student in any
undergraduate course at +2 stage affiliated to the Universities recognized by UGC / State
Government. Only for NSS open unit at the University level any person who is socially oriented
and in willing to devote his / her time for social service can enroll himself / herself .
When he / she can enroll: As soon as he / she secures admission for his / her studies for the
above mentioned course he is eligible to enroll himself / herself in NSS as a volunteer .
Generally the enrollment is done between June and July of every academic year.

Whom to contact: A assistant Professor / teacher who is incharge of NSS activities in the
institution where you are studying should be contacted. The NSS in-charge is designated as NSS
programme officer. If you don't get the information then you can contact the Principal/registrar
of the institution. For NSS open unit contact NSS Programme coordinator of the University.

What is duration of Volunteer ship: Students selected as NSS volunteers are expected to work
in the scheme for a period of two years continuously and render community service for at least
120 hours in a year and also participate is special camping programmes of 10 days duration.

Fee:Admission Fees of Rs.5/- to 10/- may be charged from a student who wish to join NSS.
What are the formalities: A student who wants to join NSS her to fill a enrollment form which
is supplied by the institution where he / she is studying.

“Themes” for the Special Camp are the following:-

(1) Health
(2) Environment
(3) Rural Development
(4) Skill acquisition
(5) Value Education.

National Level Awards:In order to recognize the outstanding contributions of NSS volunteers,
programme officers, Units / Colleges and Universities a number of State Level National Level
Awards have been instituted from the year 1993-94. The details are as follow :
NATIONAL LEVEL AWARDS

Sr.No. Category No. of Awards Value of Award

University / +2
1. 1 Rs.2,00,000/-
Council
2. Programme Officers 6 Rs.10,000/- each
3. NSS Units 6 Rs.35,000/-each
4. NSS Volunteers 16 Rs.8,000/-each

Regular and Special Camping Programme:

(a) Environment Enrichment and Conservation: Whereas the main theme for the special
camping programme would be " Youth for Sustainable Development ", activities aimed at
environment enrichment would be organised under the sub-theme of " Youth for Better
Environment ". The activities under this sub-theme would inter-alia, include :
 Plantation of trees, their preservation and upkeep ( each NSS Unit should plant and protect
at least 1000 saplings ;
 Creation of NSS parks / gardens, Tarun Triveni Vanas.
 Construction & maintenance of village streets, drains, etc. so as to keep the environment
clean ;
 Construction of sanitary latrines etc.
 Cleaning of village ponds and wells ;
 Popularisation and construction of Gobar Gas Plants, use of non-conventional energy ;
 Environmental sanitation, and disposal of garbage, & composting ;
 Prevention of soil erosion, and work for soil conservation ,
 Watershed management and wasteland development
 Preservation and upkeep of monuments, and creation of consciousness about the
preservation of cultural heritage among the community.
(b) Health, Family Welfare and Nutrition Programme :
 Programmes of mass immunization ;
 Working with people in nutrition programmes with the help of Home Science and
medical college students ;
 Provision of safe and clean drinking water ;
 Integrated child development programmes ;
 Health education, AIDS Awareness and preliminary health care.
 Population education and family welfare programme.
 Life Style Education centers and counseling centers.
(c) Programmes aimed at creating an awareness for improvement of the status of
women:
 Programme of educating people and making them aware of women's rights both
constitutional and legal ;
 Creating consciousness among women that they too contribute to economic and social
well-being of the community ;
 Creating awareness among women that there is no occupation or vocation which is not
open to them provided they acquire the requisite skills, andimparting training to women
in sewing, embroidery, knitting and other skills wherever possible.

ADOPTION OF VILLAGE:-

Adoption of a village and area is a very meaningful programme in NSS. It is far better to
concentrate attention on one village and take up the task for development perspective, than to
fritter away energy in many locations involving too many activities which may not be
completed at all or where the follow up action may not be possible. From this point of view,
village adoption programme should ensure continuity of work vis-à-vis sustained action,
evaluation and follow up work.

As a first step in this programme, it is necessary to establish contact with several village and
rural units which would help to select a village where' Leadership' is well developed. In other
words selected a village with proper leadership is all the more important as the sustained
follow up action and evaluation is doubly assured. To start with the NSS Unit can take the
help of the Block Authorities, District Panchayat Officer, District Tribal Welfare Officer,
D.M.O. and D.H.C. and District Agriculture, Irrigation and Education Officers for the
selection of the village. It is to be noted that the village selected should be within a short
distance from the college so that there could be constant touch with it.

Before the programme and plan of action is drawn, it is absolutely necessary to conduct a
comprehensive survey of a few villages situated at a short distance from the college. The
assistance and aid from the teachers and students of Economics, Commerce, Statistics, Home
Science, Psychology and Education etc-. have to be mobilized for the purpose.

On the basis of said survey the programme so prepared should cater for better agricultural,
educational, socio-medical and health-care and awareness among the villagers. Thus the
village adoption programme could be carried out by the following three combination :

(i) Programme which can be taken up without NSS resources.

(ii) Programme requiring joint efforts of NSS volunteers and villagers.
Camp Programme:

(a) It is very essential to prepare a suitable schedule for the camp, so that it helps to develop a
sense of discipline and devotion among the campers. As the camp is an occasion for
establishing rapport with the community, it should not be treated as a picnic or excursion.

(b) No uniform schedule of activities can be suggested for a work camp due to considerable
variety in the scope and content of the projects, the NSS units should ensure that various
activities undertaken during the camp are so planned and organised that it ultimately leads to
fulfillment of the objectives of holding a camp. In addition to some manual work, the camp
should provide opportunity for community living, discussion in group and cultural activities
etc. A good camp can adopt the following daily schedule of important activities :

(i) Manual work for accomplishment of the project like construction of small village complex,
sustainable development activities like laying out gardens, tree plantation etc. or any other
project depending on local needs and priorities.

(ii) Discussion on topics like freedom struggle, character-building, development of culture,

family welfare, health any hygiene, national integration, eradication of social evils like
casteism, regionalism, dowry, untouchability, alcoholism, corruption, gambling and
superstitions; civil, social and national responsibilities of citizens, small savings, improved
agricultural practices etc.

(iii) Cultural programmes / community singing in the evening.

(c) It is advisable that during the course of discussions on various topics and the cultural
programmes - maximum number of villagers / residents ( irrespective of their age ) are
provided an opportunity to benefit from such discussion and cultural programmes. If some of
them are unable to participate in the manual work, but are interested in discussions and
cultural programmes, this may be encouraged. Cultural programmes, may, as far as possible,
be of educative value with social message. Efforts should be made to get some documentary
films on development issues screened for the benefit of the community.

(d) It has been decided that as a part of the camp, the students should be taken to nearby
projects with a rural development content like IRDP, NREP, ICDS, mid-day meals, adult
literacy, village roads and sanitation, rural cooperative housing activity, dairying and animal
husbandry, social forestry, soil and water conservation projects, and monuments of historical
importance, to educate them about the cultural heritage as well as economic and technological
advancement of the country. It would be necessary to spend a day for this purpose by
economizing on the budget provided for Special Camping Programme and extending the
duration of the camps by 1 or 2 days. Effective coordination has to be made with State
Government and District Authorities to get all assistance in this regard.

Certain changes have to be made considering the weather conditions and other variables. On
certain occasions sociocultural programmes could be organised in the community itself

Organisation of Camp:

(a) Each camp will have 1-2 teachers and 2-5 student leaders who will work as camp
organisers / work supervisors. Each camp may consist of a minimum of 40 and maximum of
50 participants depending upon local needs.

(b) Active participation of local student and non-student youth ( up to 10 percent of the camp
strength ) may be ensured. This can be done through suitable cultural and educational
programmes, through dance, drama, music etc. undertaken in the evenings in cooperation with
the local peoples.
(c) The NSS Programme Officers should ensure adequate representation of students belonging
to SC/ST and minority communities, so that young person’s belonging to these communities
feel fully involved in the development of the country.
(d) Female NSS volunteers should be encouraged to participate in the camps organised by the
co-educational Institutions.
Administration of the Camp:
(a) Maximum number of NSS volunteer leaders and teaching community of the institution
may be involved in conducting the camp.
(b) All NSS volunteers participating in the camp should be divided into different groups. Each

one will undertake activities according to one's aptitude, educational qualification and skill.

For example, one team can take up mass immunisation against preventable diseases, another

team can look after environmental sanitation and popularisation of Gobar Gas Plants; yet

another team can concentrate its work on provision of potable water or other activities chosen

by the institution etc. Each group may have a few local non-student youth so as to ensure local

support on voluntary basis, and to ensure proper follow-up to the programmes during the term

time.

(c) The management of the camps may be done through Committees which take care of
various aspects of camp life. Punctuality and discipline should be emphasized. All the

participants including the teachers should strictly abide by the camp rules and stay in the

camp. It is suggested that the following Committees may be formed for running the camp :-

(i) Mess Committee: It will look after the food arrangements of the camp ;

(ii) Programme Committee: To conduct the day-to-day activities of the camp ;

(iii) Project Committee: To take care of the project work including supply of tools and

equipment.

(iv) Cultural Programme Committee : To arrange the cultural programmes in the way that all

participants get opportunity to show their skill and talent. Group performance may be given

preference over individual performance.

(v) General Discipline Committee: It will look after the discipline in the camp.

(vi) Reception and Guest Committee : It will look after the guests in the camp, and make
necessary arrangements for their arrival and departure.
Duration of the Camp:
(a) The NSS camp will be of 10 days duration. The NSS volunteers are expected to be in the
camp throughout the period including on the inaugural day and depart from the camp only on
closing day after valedictory function.
(b) Camps beyond 10 days may be organised by the Institution subject to the condition that no
additional finance will be made available. The additional expenditure may be met by
exercising economy in the camp expenditure. The camp may be extended by five days over
and above the mandatory period of 10 days.
(c) In case an important project has been undertaken and it remains incomplete and it is very
essential to the community, the NSS units may plan to organize a second camp to complete
the project.
Lodging Arrangements:
(a) The lodging arrangements of the camp should be made in a building of the village or
panchayat/school.
(b) In case of non-availability, a community building like Panchayat house etc. should be
utilised for such purpose., with the consent of the influential peoples of the village.
(c) No camp should be held in the premises of the college / school. The NSS volunteers must
reside in the adopted area where the camp is being held.
(d) Generally, slums in metropolitan cities are not convenient for the students to stay
overnight during the project. In such cases. the arrangements for stay should be made in
the institution itself ( the colleges and schools are expected to adopt nearby slums ).
however,where this is not possible, Day camp can be organised. This provision is only for
Urban units, who find it extremely difficult to get suitable accommodation for campers.
The approval of the Programme Coordinator may be obtained in advance for organising '
Daycamps '.

Board Arrangements:
(a) The mess should be managed by Mess Committee. The practice of giving the
responsibility offood supply to a contractor should be avoided.
b) Food in the camps should be simple but balanced. It should be at minimum cost and as far
as possible, prepared out of locally available materials. Meals should be carefully planed
with theassistance of such institutions and individuals having knowledge of food and
nutrition as may be available in the State. The participants should also be explained about
meal planning as an educational lesson; and its propagation among the local community
should be an importantextension activity of the campers.
c) It should be ensured that the food served in the camp is not very much different from the
general standard of the villagers living in the area.
Project Work :
(a) The projects should be selected as per the guidelines, after identifying the needs of the
village / slum. No project should be undertaken, which is irrelevant to the needs of the
village / slum.
(b) The project should be approved by the competent authority to avoid conflict at later states.
(c) The availability of the materials / equipments and technical advice may be ensured in
advance for the success of the project.
(d) All efforts should be made to complete the project during the camp period itself. Every
precaution should be taken not to leave the project incomplete.

Benefit of Students/ NSS volunteers:

• Personality Development
• Incentive
• Preference in Admission / Employment
• National Integration camp, Adventure Programme, State level as well as NationalLevel
programme
• It helps in aquiring leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
• It provides diversified opportunities to students in colleges and universities to develop their
personality through community service.
• It developer a sense of involvement in the task of nation building.
• Volunteers interaction with the slum dwellers and villagers expose them to the realities of
life and bring about a change in their social perception.
• It helps in developing positive attitude, self confidence, courage & patience.
• It helps in developing his / her skill to perform certain jobs, quality of an organiser, an
administrator and development of personality as a whole.
• He / she gets opportunities to see the community closely and thus gets an experience of
human nature in relation to his / her environment.
• Gets the opportunity to meet the people from different walks of life.
• He/she gets the opportunity to participate in various National / State level programme such
as National Integration, Motivational Lamps, value oriented self development camps,
Adventure camps, workshops. Youth exhibition, cultural programmes etc.
• A National service scheme contingent of 160 ( boys and girls ) participants selected after a
rigorous test participates in the Republic day parade camp for 3 weeks at New Delhi in the
month of January every year.
• NSS volunteer completing 240 hours of regular community service in a period of two years
is to be issued an NSS certificate by the college / +2 level Institution or the University /
Directorate of education.

LIST OF INTERNATIOAL AND NATIONAL DAYS/WEEKS TO BE OBSERVED BY

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME:

Sl.No DAYS Date

01. National Youth Day 12th January

02. Republic Day 26th January

03. Martyr Day 30th January

04. International Women Day 8th March

05. World Health Day 7th April

06. Anti-Terrorism Day 21st May

08. World Environment Day 5th June

09. World Population Day 11th July

10. Independence Day 15th August

 11. Sadbavana Day 20th August

12. International Literacy Day 8th September

13. International Peace Day 15th September

14 NSS Day 24th September

15. National Blood Donation Day 1st October

16. Communal Harmony Day 2nd October

17. National Integration Day 19th November

18. World AIDS Day 1st December

19. World Human Rights Day 10th December

WEEK
01. National Youth Week 12-19 January

02. Van Mahotsava Week 1-7 July

03. International Literacy week 8-14 July

04. Quami Ekta Week 19-25 November

Contact:
Dr.Mohan Lal Chadhar,
Coordinator NSS Programme
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak (M.P.)484886
Mob.No: 9301599008 e-mail:- [email protected]&[email protected]