State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 09 Aug 2025

Maharashtra Plans NCC-Style Training for Students

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.