National Service Scheme (NSS)

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, Science & Commerce College, Kolhar. Since 1999 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 Scheme 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 labor 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

1. 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 solution to individual and community problems

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

7. To acquire leadership qualities and democratic

8. 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:

1. Cleaning

2. A forestation

3. Stage shows or a procession creating awareness of such issues as social problems, education and
cleanliness

4. Awareness Rallies

5. Inviting doctors for health camps

6. Community Survey

There are no predefined or pre assigned 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

 a person who understands human nature

National Service Scheme (NSS) Committee :

Sr.No. Name of the Staff Designation Contact Number