Defence Minister approved a proposal to increase the strength of NCC

The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has approved a proposal to increase the strength of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) by adding three lakh more cadets. This decision was made to meet the growing demand from educational institutions across the country. 

• The NCC, which started with just 20,000 cadets in 1948, will now have a sanctioned strength of 20 lakh cadets in its roles, making it the world's largest uniformed youth organisation.
• The expansion plan will involve the establishment of four new Group Headquarters and two NCC units. 
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that the expansion of NCC will lead to a fair distribution of vacancies across all States and Union Territories, thus reducing the waiting list of institutions seeking NCC affiliation.
• With NCC being offered as an elective subject as per the National Education Policy 2020, this expansion will be a step towards meeting the aspirations of the youth towards playing a central role as future leaders of the nation.
• The ministry said the move will create employment for ex-servicemen as NCC trainers, taking advantage of their skills and vast experience. This initiative will improve quality training for NCC cadets and also generate employment opportunities for veterans.
• According to the Defense Ministry, the NCC aims to have a transformational impact, fostering an environment where youth contribute meaningfully to nation building. 
• This initiative will expand the base of motivated, disciplined and patriotic youth of the ‘Amrit Peedhi’ who will contribute towards achieving the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

About genesis of NCC

• The Kashmir War of 1948 taught India an important lesson. It showed that strong Armed Forces are necessary to protect freedom. As a result, the Kunzru committee made recommendations to the Constituent Assembly (Legislature) on March 13, 1948. 
• The Assembly created a draft Bill, which was sent to them on March 19, 1948. Members showed great interest and enthusiasm for it. 
• After deliberations and amendments, the Bill was passed on April 8, 1948. 
• The opinion of the Provincial Governments and the recommendations of the Standing Committee was accepted by the central government for the formation of the Cadet Corps.
• This Corps would be named the “National Cadet Corps,” as recommended by the Kunzru Committee.
• The Governor General's assent was received on Bill on April 16, 1948, and the National Cadet Corps came into being by an Act of the Parliament the National Cadet Corps Act 1948’. 
• Col Gopal Gurunath Bewoor was the first Director of the NCC. He was appointed as Director of NCC on March 31, 1948.
• The current Director of the NCC is Lieutenant General Gurbirpal Singh. 
• The NCC has specific aims laid out in 1988 that have stood the test of time and continue to meet the requirements expected of it in the current socio-economic scenario of the country. The NCC aims to develop character, comradeship, discipline, a secular outlook, and spirit.