National Service Scheme (NSS)
History of NSS :
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is an Indian Government-sponsored Public Service programme conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India.
NSS was launched in Gandhiji’s Centenary year, 1969, aimed at developing student's personality through community service, is a voluntary association of young people in Universities, Colleges and at +2 level working for a campus-community linkage.
In May 1969, a conf 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 the Planning Commission sanctioned an outlay of ₹5 crores for the NSS during the Fourth Five-Year Plan.
On 24 September 1969, the Union Education Minister Thiru V.K.R.V. Rao launched the NSS at 37 universities in all states. The scheme has been extended to all states and universities in the country and also +2 level institutes in many states.
Symbol of NSS
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 Odissa, India.
The wheel portrays the cycle of creation, preservation and release. It signifies the movement in life across time and space.
The eight bars in the wheel represents 24 hours of a day.
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.
The red colour indicates that the volunteer is full of young blood that is lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit.
It stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social transformation and uplift.
Motto of NSS :
- The motto or watchword of NSS is “NOT ME BUT YOU”
Theme of NSS:
- T• The theme of NSS is “HEALTH YOUTH FOR WEALTHY NATION”
Aims and Objectives of NSS :
- To understand the community in which they work
- To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process.
- To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility
- To utilise their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems.
- To develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities.
- To gain skills in mobilising community participation
- To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude
- To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters
Types of Activities :
There are two types of activities
- Regular Activities (120 hours),
- Special Camp Activities (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 NSS Programme Coordinator.
-- Special Camps are held annually funded by the Government of India and are usually located in a rural village.
--Volunteers may be involved in such activities as
- Cleaning
- Plantation
- Blood Donation Camps
- Awareness Rallies
- Health Care Camps
- Stage shows or a procession creating awareness of such issues as social problems, education and cleanliness
