UGC Advises Universities to Include NCC as an Elective Subject

Synopsis – The UGC has forwarded the proposal to universities to introduce NCC as an elective subject in the curriculum.

Introduction-

• Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued an advisory to the vice-chancellors of all universities. It was to include NCC as an elective subject.
• If implemented, NCC will be a part of the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

National Cadet Corps (NCC)

The NCC was formed in 1948 on the recommendation of the H. N. Kunzru Committee [1946].

• Significance of NCC-
  • NCC is the world’s largest uniformed youth volunteer service organization.
  • The NCC cadets undergo basic military training at various levels and as well as academic curriculum basics related to the Armed forces and their functioning.
  • Its gender ratio is higher than any other uniformed organization in the world. With female cadets responsible for one-third of the number.

Why universities should consider UGS’s proposal to include NCC as an elective subject?

UGS’s proposal would aid in the expansion of the NCC and will provide students with the following benefits

• Academic benefit- Students who enrolled as NCC cadets will receive academic credits for NCC training on successful completion of the course. Also, they will receive the NCC “B” and “C” certificates.
• Employment incentives – Cadets can also avail of employment incentives and benefits offered in various central and state government schemes.

Issues related to NCC structure-

• Firstly, Lack of funding- States do not provide adequate infrastructure for training and administrative functions of NCC. It is despite the huge support provided by the Centre.
• Secondly, Attitude of the armed forces toward NCC- In armed force, An NCC posting is regarded as being sidelined. It is because forces do not deploy the best and brightest with the NCC. There is a trend toward deploying those who are medically unfit.
• Thirdly, the majority of NCC cadets join the armed forces as jawans, with just a few joining the officer stream. 99 percent of NCC cadets join only as jawans in the armed forces.

 What needs to be done to expand the NCC?

NCC structure must evolve in such a way that youth, regardless of socio-economic background, are attracted to it as a means of advancing both character and career-

• Needs to change the perception – The general attitude in the armed forces that the NCC is a dumping ground needs to change.
  • NCC tenures should result in additional credit in promotions for deployed military officers or personnel.
• Proper utilization of funds- The Central government must ensure that the states provide proper infrastructure for training, administrative functions, and logistical support to the NCC.
• The quality of the local training staff such as the Associate National Cadet Corps Officers (ANOs), and their career advancement must also be assured.

The above reforms in NCC structure may result in better intake into the officer stream of the armed forces and higher management in other public and private sectors.

Source- The Indian Express

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