Introducing NCC as Elective Subject in Curriculam

The Hon’ble Human Resource Development Minister today inaugurated a work shop in New Delhi on Introduction of NCC as an Elective Subject with credit points in selected Educational Institutions (Autonomous Colleges) from Academic year 2013-2014.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju said that Educational Institution including professional colleges must give credit to the students with NCC background in admission to their colleges. Asking AICTE, UGC and CBSE to consider this proposal, he said NCC and sports can counter distraction to our youth in campuses. Giving a personal touch, the Minister said he as a cadet during his school and college time, he learnt the values of bonding. He is aware of the values the uniform brings among the youth particularly belonging to the rural areas. Dr. Raju emphasized that NCC is not just as extra-curriculum but imbibes in youth values needed for making a better society.

The Secretary, Higher Education, Shri Ashok Thakur said NCC needs to be rebranded and it should be main streamed with our education system. He informed NCC will be introduced as an elective subject in selected Autonomous Colleges in 2013-14 but from 2014-15, it will be introduced in universities as they will be able to get required nod from their statutory bodies by that time. There are about 400 autonomous colleges and 700 universities.

Giving full support to the proposal of introduction of NCC as an elective subject, the Chairman of the University Grant Commission (UGC), Shri Ved Prakash said there is a very good response to the proposal. He said the country has a good number of retired army officers who can contribute in their endevour.

The DG, NCC, Lt.Gen. P.S. Bhalla said that 13 lakh Cadets are in roll with NCC and it will go 15 lakhs in two years. It is largest youth Organisation. We have put a new syllabus. High academic pressure is stopping students from participating in NCC.

The Workshop was attended by the concerned Principals of the Autonomous Colleges, Vice Chancellors of the affiliating universities, Higher Education Secretaries of the concerned State Government and the officers of UGC/Ministry of HRD and Defence.