Launched on 24 September 1969 by Dr. V.K. R.V. Rao, who was the Educational Minister at that time, the National Service Scheme (NSS) is an addition of activities in the higher education system of India with the aim of allowing students to develop their personality by providing community service while they are studying. The scheme comes under the protection of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
Students under the NSS must put in 2 years of services along with their studies. Under the scheme, students must provide 120 hours of service every year as well as participate in at least one special camp programme. The main goal of the NSS is education via community service and community services via education. The two main activities of the scheme are special camping programmes and regular activities.
Objectives and aims of the National Service Scheme
Given below are the objectives and aims of the National Service Scheme:
1. To help students develop a democratic attitude and leadership qualities.
2. Helping students share responsibilities and develop abilities towards group living.
3. To help develop civic and social responsibilities.
4. To help students understand their roles in the community.
5. Helping students develop a capacity to handle emergency situations and natural disasters.
6. Help gain skills for organising participation to the community.
7. To help students make use of their skills and knowledge to find practical solutions to community and individual problems.
8. To point out the problems and requirements of the community and help in solving them in case any problem arises.
9. To know about the type of community they work in.
10. To help students practice towards national interrogation and social harmony.