National Service Scheme
The National Service Scheme(NSS) is a government of India Scheme that comes under the Department of Youth Affairs and Sport of the Government of India. NSS scheme was started in India in Gandhiji’s Centenary year 1969. The main purpose of the scheme is to build the character of the youth through community service, The student of secondary level, graduation level and postgraduate level take part in different community services in the NSS scheme.
What is National Service Scheme (NSS) in English
Aims and Objectives of NSS (National Service Scheme)
The programme aims to cultivate the spirit of social welfare and develop the personality of the student through social welfare and community service.
- The main objectives of (NSS) the National Service Scheme are:
- To Make student understand society and their community
- To realize the problems and needs of the community and ways to fulfil them.
- To develop a sense of responsibility towards society and community.
- To apply their knowledge to find the solution to real-life problems of individuals and the community.
- To develop leadership qualities and a democratic attitude.
- To prepare the student for relief work during emergencies and national disasters.
- To develop the feeling of national integration and social harmony.
- To promote the essence of democratic living and selfless service.
National Service Scheme Logo:
The symbol of the NSS has been based on the giant Rath Wheel of the world-famous Konark Sun Temple located in Orissa, India.
The Konark Wheel of the NSS logo have 8 bars which represent 24 hours of the day, it means that NSS volunteers are ready to work for 24 hours of the day to serve the nation.
The red colour in the centre of the logo is a symbol of energy and spirit shown by the NSS volunteers.
The blue colour around the red circle represents the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to play its role in the welfare of mankind.
National Service Scheme Motto:
The Motto of the National Service Scheme is “Not me but you”
NSS Day:
NSS was initiated on 24th September 1969 on the 100 Anniversary of the father of the Nation. Therefore 24th September is celebrated every year as NSS Day with appropriate programmes and activities.
NSS Song:
The NSS has its own theme song which was composed during the Silver jubilee year. All NSS volunteers sing this song at every NSS programme and celebration.
(National Service Scheme) NSS Activities
The activities of social service programmes that come under the NSS programmes are mentioned in the list given below.
- Functional literacy and non-formal education
- Plantation
- Preservation and upkeeping of trees
- Construction and repair of roads
- Cleaning of villages ponds and wells
- Construction and laying of parks
- Health education and primary health care
- First aid awareness
- Blood Donation
- Anti-drug Addiction drive
- AIDS awareness
- Advocating advanced agricultural practice
- Disaster management
- Women empowerment
- Road safety
- Socio-economic surveys,
- Improvement of Campus etc
NSS Organization
At the national level, the Ministry of youth affairs and sport of the government of India is responsible for framing the policy and implementation of NSS programmes. This nodal authority at the national level works with state-level NSS cells. These state-level NSS cells look after the NSS activity in their respective state. Each university within the state has its own NSS centre. Within the university, at the institute level, each college has its NSS unit at the college level.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and sport is headed by senior officials of the rank of joint secretary. This officer is made programme adviser who looks after the administration, supervision, execution, and evaluation of NSS programmes at the national level. The State-level NSS cell is led by a State Liaison Officer (SLO). SLO is the administrative head of the state-level NSS cell. NSS University cell functions under the vice-chancellor and the programme coordinator.
The programme coordinator is appointed on a contract basis for a short term of three years which is further extendable to one year. No programme coordinator will be appointed on a permanent basis. The NSS unit at the college level is headed by a programmes officer. One of the members of the teaching faculty is appointed as a programmes officer who is responsible for the administration of the NSS scheme at the college levels
NSS Award
To encourage the NSS scheme government give awards to NSS volunteers, Programme Officers, NSS Unit and University NSS cells.
NSS Questions and Answers
Ans: It was launched in India on the 100th birth anniversary of Gandhiji in the year 1969.
Ans: The Ministry of Youth affair and sport of the government of India.
Ans: The motto of NSS is “ Not me but you”
Ans: To develop the personality and character of youth through social work and community services.
Ans: The senior member of the teaching staff is appointed as in charge of the NSS cell at the college level.
