NSS
Development
of National Service Scheme:
The concept
of making national service a part of university education
took about 20 years to evolve from the state of an idea into
that of a scheme. The early seeds of it were sown by Dr. S.
Radhakrishnan in his Report (1948). The Central Advisory Board
of Education discussed the idea and made some recommendations
in 1950. In the first Five Year Plan document (1951) the need
for social service camps found a mention. During the next
few years some institutions already started organizing such
camps. Then in 1958, Pandit Nehru, Prime Minister, wrote to
Chief Ministers suggesting social service as prerequisite
for graduation. In 1959 an outline proposal came up for discussion
in the meeting of education ministers from all over India.
The concept was accepted, and Deshmukh Committee was formed
to propose concrete suggestions (1959). In 1960 further suggestions
came from Prof. KG. Saiyidain and these are responsible, more
or less, for the scheme as we have it now. But implementation
was further delayed. Then came Dr. Kothari's strong recommendations
in the year 1966. During the next year Vice Chancellors' Meeting
took place and in 1969 a conference of student leaders welcomed
the scheme. By that time the Fourth Five Year Plan was ready
to be launched. It carried an outlay of five Crores rupees
for NSS. On September 24, 1969, the then Union Education Minister
Dr.V.K.R.V. Rao, launched the NSS programme in 37 universities
covering all States and simultaneously requested the Chief
Ministers of States for their cooperation and help. It was
appropriate that the programme was electronic copy available
at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2980022 International Journal
of Scientific Research and Modern Education (IJSRME) ISSN
(Online): 2455 – 5630 (www.rdmodernresearch.com) Volume
I, Issue I, 2016 757 started during the Gandhi Centenary Year
as it was Gandhi who inspired the Indian youth to participate
in the movement for Indian independence and the social uplift
of the downtrodden masses of our nation.
Aims
of NSS Activities:
.......... 
.......... 
Awareness
on Environmental Protection: In present scenario environmental
damages is causing loss to the national economy in billions
in the form of deforestation and soil erosion only. On the
other hand, water air and noise pollution are causing havoc
to the health of the nationals. In spite of govt. policies
and number of laws, nothing concrete has been done at the
individual level to fight the environmental pollution. The
role of N.S.S. becomes very important in this context as constitution
of India also envisages that it is fundamental duty of every
citizen to protect and improve the natural environment [Art.
51A (g)]. NSS activities will create awareness on protection
of environment.
Health
Awareness Programme: Progress and development of a nation
depends? upon the health of its nationals. Every year thousands
of mothers and infants die due to lack of post-natal care
facilities. Even during pregnancy women are not provided with
healthy and nutritious food. Overall general health of Indian
nationals is very-very poor as they cannot afford even the
minimum calorie intake required. The aim of NSS is to provide
necessary basic information and awareness on health-related
concepts.
Literacy
Programme: The constitutions of India provide for the right
to? education (Article 21), the right to free and compulsory
education to all children up to 14 years is also now guaranteed
as a fundamental right under Art. 21 A of the constitution
(constitution 86th Amendment Act, 2001). But without making
right to education a reality the fundamental rights guaranteed
under the constitution shall remain beyond the reach of large
majority which is illiterate. N.S.S. volunteers are required
to take up number of activities for the eradication of illiteracy
such as adult education, non-formal education, and women literacy
programmes etc.
Community
Development: Other intervention areas for the N.S.S. activities
are? sustainable development, rural reconstruction, watershed
management and wasteland development. N.S.S. volunteers are
required to take steps to develop community assets infrastructure
and preserve natural resources of the country.
Student
Development: The motto of NSS is to develop the community
by? educating the society along with that student personal
development. One of the objectives of NSS is uphold personal
growth of students through involvement in community development.
The Motto:
The motto
or watchword of the National Service Scheme is 'NOT ME BUT
YOU'. This reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds
the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other
person's point of view, and also to show consideration for
fellow human beings. It underlines the fact that the welfare
of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of
society as the whole. Therefore, it should be the aim of the
NSS to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day activities.
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