Maharashtra Plans NCC-Style Training for Students | 09 Aug 2025

Why in News? 

Maharashtra’s school education minister announced the introduction of training inspired by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for students beginning in Class 1.  

Key Points 

  • Objective: The initiative aims to foster discipline and patriotism among students from the primary level, with a broader vision of developing well-disciplined and nation-conscious citizens. 
  • Training Details: The training will be military-style and NCC-inspired, focused on instilling discipline and patriotism.  
    • The program will be introduced at the primary school level, starting with Class 1. 
  • Collaboration and Expansion Plans: The state government will request the central government to increase the number of NCC training centres in Maharashtra. 
    • The state plans to collaborate with the ex-servicemen welfare board to enlist retired armed forces personnel for training. 
    • This year’s Independence Day celebrations in schools will also include parade drills performed to patriotic songs. 
  • Current NCC Framework in Maharashtra: 
    • Maharashtra currently has 7 NCC groups and 63 active units, covering 1,726 schools and colleges with over 1.14 lakh cadets. 
    • There are plans to expand the NCC program by adding 10 more NCC centres, which will provide an opportunity for an additional 20,314 students to participate. 

National Cadet Corps  

  • About: The NCC is a voluntary Tri-Services organisation (Army, Navy, and Air Force) under the Ministry of Defence, headquartered in New Delhi, established by the NCC Act, 1948.   
    • It is the largest uniformed youth organisation globally, with over 15 lakh cadets across the country.  
  • Objective: It aims to groom the youth into disciplined, patriotic, and responsible citizens.   
  • Role in Wars & Reforms: During the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, NCC cadets supported defence efforts by guarding vital areas, aiding in logistics, and assisting in rescue and traffic control.   
    • Post-1971, NCC reoriented towards leadership, social service, and nation-building, reducing its focus on combat training.  
  • Structure & Training: Headed by a Director General (rank of Lieutenant General).  
    • Enrolment from high schools, colleges, and universities across India.  
    • Cadets receive basic military training, and certificates (A, B, C) enhancing eligibility for military recruitment.