Patkai Christian College has been selected by University Grants Commission (UGC) to take up National Cadet Corps (NCC) as an elective subject from the academic year 2013-14.
Interacting with media persons on April 9 at the 1st Nagaland Girls’ Battalion, NCC, Kohima, additional DG major general R.K. Sharma, NCC directorate (NER) Shillong informed that the UGC selected 38 colleges all over India to offer NCC as elective subject as pilot project.
From North East, Patkai College is the only institution selected to offer the course.
Sharma said he came to Nagaland to get firsthand experience, knowledge about the state, to see the place, location for conducting training and to know what was lacking and what needed to be done.
Explaining the benefits of joining NCC, the major general said NCC offers many job opportunities in various military departments to become an officer without facing competitive examinations especially for those who possess ‘C’ certificate.
He said, schemes and financial assistance were also available for NCC ‘C’ certificate holders and those who have good academic record.
Sharma said there were hundreds of vacancies in the India military recruitment campaign in para-military forces, CRPF and for those who get NCC ‘C’ certificate. He said in the army recruitment rally held recently in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, people who possessed NCC ‘B’ certificate got bonus mark during selection.
ADG said NCC members are given opportunity to visit foreign countries every year and to interact with different groups of young people in the country thus bringing about national integration.
He said last year 6 cadets from the north east were sent abroad sponsored by NCC.
“One important aspect about NCC is that it focuses for personality development besides other curriculum and provide platform for competition in various fields”, he revealed.
He also disclosed that the state of Nagaland and the northeastern states were doing well in NCC and many have been appointed as officers’ in various military services.
There are about 13 lakh plus cadets in the entire nation, including both junior and senior cadets with 76,804 from north east and 8699 cadets from Nagaland.
In Nagaland, vacancies under senior wings are all filled up but there are some more vacancies to be filled up under the junior wing, major general Sharma informed.
He also appreciated the state government for rendering full support and cooperation towards NCC activities in the state.
While informing about his meeting with chief minister Neiphiu Rio and chief secretary, he said he would be meeting minister youth resources & sports Merentoshi Jamir soon.
Earlier, the ADG also informed that incentives would be given to institutions having NCC as an elective subject.
Major general, R.K. Sharma also informed that the National Integration Camp would be held at Patkai Christian College from June 18-29, to be participated by 490 students from other parts of India and 110 students from the north east.
Commanding officer 1st Nagaland girl’s battalion NCC, Kohima, Colonel Joy and PRO Defence Emron and other NCC officials of different rank and file were also present at the meet.