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.