Students of sensitive areas to be encouraged to join NCC: Education Minister

Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur presided over the review meeting of various activities of National Cadet Core (NCC) functional in educational institutions. In the meeting he said that the students of schools and colleges of sensitive areas adjoining International borders of the State would be encouraged to join NCC.

Govind Singh Thakur said that the State Government has made a provision of establishing battalion and companies required for recruitment of NCC cadets in Army/Paramilitary and Police services. The centre has approved the upgradation of NCC companies at Rampur and Dalhousie to battalion. With this the more cadets could avail Cadet ‘B’ and ‘C’ certificate.

He said that State Government is making efforts to upgrade NCC companies of Dharmshala, Una and Shimla to battalion. The students of government schools and private schools would be encouraged to involve in activities of NCC.

Education Minister said that 24 thousand 681 cadets of 314 schools and 64 colleges of State were being imparted with training under NCC. Presently there are three battalion, seven companies, one NCC Air Squadron and one NCC Naval unit in the State.

Land has been identified for establishing the NCC academy at Balh in district Mandi, out of which 17.19 Bigha land has been transferred to Education Department. With setting up of this academy, all essential facilities for training of NCC cadets would be available within the State.

Govind Singh Thakur said that NCC Cadets played a vital role in spreading awareness amongst the masses regarding use of masks and social distancing during Covid-19.

Secretary Education Rajiv Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator Forest Ajay Kumar, I.G. Armed Police and Training J.P. Singh, Director Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet Kumar Sharma and Commander NCC Himachal Group Brigadier Rajiv Thakur and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.