National Service Scheme (NSS)

About the NSS

The motto of the National Service Scheme (NSS), “Not Me But You” encapsulates the core principle of democratic living and emphasizes the importance of selfless service. This motto is a foundational element of the NSS philosophy, which fosters an appreciation for diverse perspectives and encourages empathy towards all living beings. The underlying doctrine posits that the welfare of an individual is inextricably linked to the welfare of society as a whole. Consequently, NSS volunteers are called upon to work diligently towards the betterment of the community, recognizing that their efforts contribute to the collective well-being and social harmony. This ethos reflects a commitment to nurturing a spirit of altruism and social responsibility among students, thereby promoting a culture of active citizenship and communal solidarity.
The emblem of the National Service Scheme (NSS) draws inspiration from the grand “Rath Wheel” of the renowned Konark Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, located in Odisha, India. This wheel symbolizes the cyclical nature of creation, preservation, and dissolution, reflecting the perpetual movement inherent in life through time and space. The NSS symbol, therefore, embodies both continuity and change, signifying the relentless pursuit of societal transformation. It encapsulates the dynamic essence of life and the NSS’s commitment to fostering progress and social reform. The choice of this emblem underscores the programme’s dedication to continuous improvement and adaptation in service to the community, mirroring the timeless and ever-evolving rhythms of existence. The National Service Scheme (NSS) was formally inaugurated on September 24, 1969, coinciding with the centenary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Consequently, September 24 is observed annually as NSS Day, marked by various programs and activities that reflect the values and objectives of the organization. In commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of the NSS, a theme song was composed, which has since become an integral part of the organization's cultural expression. All NSS volunteers are encouraged to learn and perform this theme song, particularly during official NSS events, as a symbol of unity and shared commitment to the ideals of service and community development. This practice not only fosters a sense of belonging among the volunteers but also serves as a reminder of their collective dedication to the NSS mission.

The objectives of the National Service Scheme (NSS):
• Self-awareness and Community Engagement: Students are encouraged to develop a deep understanding of themselves and their relationship to the community. This involves fostering a sense of personal identity and exploring how they can contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.
• Community Needs Assessment and Involvement: Volunteers are tasked with identifying the needs and problems within their communities. They are encouraged to actively engage with these issues, working collaboratively to devise and implement solutions.
• Social and Civic Responsibility: The NSS aims to instill a sense of social and civic responsibility in students. This involves cultivating an awareness of social issues and a commitment to ethical and responsible citizenship.
• Leadership Development: The scheme emphasizes the importance of developing leadership qualities among students. Through participation in various activities, volunteers are provided with opportunities to enhance their leadership skills and take initiative in organizing and leading community service projects.
• Promotion of National Integration: NSS activities are designed to promote national integration by encouraging volunteers to appreciate and respect the diverse cultures, traditions, and languages of India.
• Fostering Social Harmony Skills: The program aims to develop skills that contribute to social harmony. This includes fostering tolerance, understanding, and cooperation among different social groups, with the goal of building a more cohesive and inclusive society.
These objectives collectively aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who are socially conscious, responsible, and capable of contributing positively to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole.
The duties of NSS volunteers:
• Commitment and Dedication: NSS volunteers are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to their responsibilities and put in consistent effort in all assigned tasks and activities.
• Building Community Relationships: Volunteers should establish a positive and respectful rapport with the people in the project area. This involves actively engaging with community members, understanding their perspectives, and fostering mutual trust and cooperation.
• Community Assessment: Volunteers are responsible for identifying the needs, problems, and resources within the community. This process includes conducting assessments and gathering information to understand the community's challenges and assets comprehensively.
• Program Planning and Implementation: Based on the identified needs, volunteers should plan appropriate programs and activities. They are also responsible for executing these plans effectively, ensuring that the initiatives address the specific issues and needs of the community.
• Applied Learning: Volunteers are encouraged to connect their learning experiences with practical applications, using the knowledge and skills gained to find solutions to the identified problems. This experiential learning approach helps in bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges.
• Documentation and Evaluation: Volunteers should maintain a work diary to systematically record their activities, observations, and reflections. This documentation is crucial for assessing the progress of their work, evaluating the effectiveness of the programs, and making necessary adjustments to improve outcomes. Periodic reviews and assessments allow for continuous improvement and adaptation of strategies as required.
These duties collectively aim to develop a holistic understanding of community service, enhance problem-solving skills, and cultivate a sense of responsibility and leadership among NSS volunteers.

Proposed Activities for NSS Volunteers:

1. Identification of Adopted Villages/Slum Areas: The first step involves selecting and formally adopting specific villages or slum areas. This adoption allows for a focused and sustained engagement, ensuring that the needs of these communities are systematically addressed.
2. Awareness Drives: Volunteers will conduct awareness campaigns through various mediums such as youth rallies, street plays, exhibitions, and skits. These activities will highlight success stories and critical issues using traditional folk art and media, making the messages relatable and engaging for the community.
3. Community Participation: Active involvement of community members and local institutions is crucial. This participation ensures that initiatives are culturally relevant and have local support, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and sustainability.
4. NSS Special Camps: Special camps will be organized for a duration of seven days, during which volunteers will reside overnight in the camp. These immersive experiences foster a deeper connection with the community and facilitate intensive work on specific projects.
5. Day Camps on Thematic Issues: Day camps will be organized on weekends in the adopted villages, focusing on specific themes relevant to the community's needs. These camps provide concentrated efforts on issues such as health, education, and sanitation.
6. Renewable Energy Awareness Programmes: Activities will be conducted to raise awareness about renewable energy sources, promoting the adoption of sustainable energy practices within the community.
7. Technological Training for Self-Help Groups and Rural Youths: Training sessions will be organized to equip self-help groups and rural youths with technological skills. This training aims to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
8. Traffic Control During Festival Occasions: Volunteers will assist in managing traffic during local festivals and events. This service helps ensure public safety and smooth conduct of events.
9. Collection and Distribution of Clothes: An initiative will be undertaken to collect clothes and distribute them to individuals living below the poverty line, addressing immediate needs and promoting social welfare.
10. Visits to Orphanages, Old Age Homes, and Schools for the Visually Impaired: Volunteers will visit these institutions to provide companionship, conduct activities, and offer food, enhancing the well-being and happiness of the residents.
11. Rain Water Harvesting Awareness: Programs will be conducted to educate the community about rainwater harvesting techniques, emphasizing water conservation and sustainable water management practices.
12. Mass Tree Plantation: A tree plantation drive, where each student plants at least one tree, will be organized to promote environmental conservation and improve local biodiversity.
13. Organizing Veterinary Camps: Veterinary camps will be set up to provide medical care for animals, addressing issues of animal health and welfare within the community. These proposed activities are designed to address a broad range of social, environmental, and economic issues, fostering a holistic development approach and enhancing the overall well-being of the communities involved.

At National Level

1. Ministry of youth affairs and sports, New Delhi and NSS regional centres
2. Programme Advisor
3. Programme Advisor Cell
4. NSS Regional Centres

At State Level

State NSS Cell At the state level,there is a NSS cell Headed by the state NSS Officer (SNO).

At University Level

NSS Centre

Each university maintains an NSS Cell responsible for overseeing and coordinating the NSS programs across its affiliated colleges. The central figure in this organizational structure is the Programme Coordinator, who plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the NSS initiatives at the collegiate level. The key functions of the Programme Coordinator include:

• Assisting and Guiding NSS Units: The Programme Coordinator provides essential assistance and guidance to the NSS units within affiliated colleges. This includes offering strategic direction and ensuring that the programs align with the broader objectives of the NSS.
• Advising on Camps and Training: The Programme Coordinator advises on the organization of various camps, training sessions, and orientation programs for NSS volunteers. These activities are crucial for equipping volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage in community service.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: A significant responsibility of the Programme Coordinator is to conduct visits to NSS units for the purpose of monitoring and evaluation. This involves assessing the effectiveness of the programs, providing feedback, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Ensuring Implementation of Activities: The Programme Coordinator ensures that both regular NSS activities and special camping programs are implemented as planned. This includes overseeing the execution of community service projects, special events, and other initiatives designed to meet the objectives of the NSS.
The Programme Coordinator’s role is thus critical in ensuring the smooth functioning of NSS programs, maintaining standards, and fostering an environment conducive to the holistic development of volunteers and the communities they serve. This leadership position not only facilitates the efficient administration of NSS activities but also helps cultivate a culture of service and civic engagement among students.

At the College Level

The unit at the college level serves as the grassroots component of the National Service Scheme (NSS). It is through these units that the NSS Centre maintains its connections with the broader community, local administration, student volunteers, and Programme Officers. The effective organization and management of these units are critically significant for the successful operation of the NSS program.
Colleges are allocated NSS units based on their student enrollment, ensuring that each institution can accommodate an appropriate number of volunteers. Each NSS unit typically comprises 100 active volunteers, who participate in various community-oriented activities under the supervision of their Programme Officers. These units are the foundational elements of the NSS, facilitating direct engagement and service initiatives at the local level.
Within the university, there are a total of 10 NSS units, encompassing over 1,650 volunteers. This extensive network of units enables the university to mobilize a large number of students towards community service and social development projects. The structured organization at this grassroots level is crucial for implementing NSS programs effectively and ensuring that they meet the needs of both the volunteers and the communities they serve.

Enrollment of NSS volunteers:

At college level the NSS volunteers are enrolled from the first, second and third year degree-class students of the college. The students of the college are encouraged to join NSS so that they may share the experience of national reconstruction and community work. There are 3 units of NSS in the Rana Pratap P.G. College and 50 students are enrolled in each unit.

National Service Scheme

Programme Officers: Dr. Neetu Singh, Mobile:8948533637
Dr. Heera Lal Yadav
Dr. Prabhat Srivastava
Members:
Dr. Indramani Kumar
Dr. Akhilesh Singh
Student Representative, NCC
Student Representative, Rovers & Rangers (Scout)