The overall aim of National Service Scheme is to give an extension dimension to the higher education system and orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institution. The reason for the formulation of this objective is the general realization that the college students have a tendency to get alienated from the village/slum masses which constitute the majority of the population of the country. The educated youth who are expected to take the reins of administration in future are found to be unaware of the problems of the village/slum community and in certain cases are indifferent towards their needs and problems. Therefore it is necessary to arouse the social conscience of the students, and to provide them an opportunity to work with the people in the villages and slums. It is felt that their interaction with the common villagers and slum dwellers will expose them to the realities of life and bring about a change in their social perception.
The broad objectives of NSS are to:
- Understand the community in which they work
- Understand themselves in relation to their community;
- Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process;
- Develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility;
- Utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems;
- Develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities;
- Gain skills in mobilizing community participation;
- Acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;
- Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters and
- Practice national integration and social harmony.
The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is: ‘NOT ME BUT YOU’. This reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person’s point of view and also to show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on the whole. Therefore, it should be the aim of the NSS to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day programme.
The National Service Scheme was started to establish a meaningful linkage between the campus and the community. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, had recognized that the country could not progress in a desired direction until the student youth were motivated to work for the upliftment of the villages/community. For Gandhiji the villages, where majority of the population lived, represent the country i.e. India. Therefore, for the national reconstruction and national resurgence it was deemed fit that the students and teachers should be properly sensitized and utilized for strengthening the Indian society as a whole with particular emphasis on rural community. Therefore, student youth, teachers and the community are considered the three basic components of the National Service Scheme.
Roles & Responsibilities of Coordinator
- He/she will plan the NSS regular activities and special camping programme as Programme guidelines issued by the Government of India and Programme Coordinator of the concerned university.
- The Programme officer will ensure that NSS volunteers complete the prescribed hours in regular activities and participate in special camping programme as per requirements. The orientation of the NSS volunteers should be conducted in a befitting manner and 20 hours should be devoted to orient the NSS volunteers.
- He/she will divide the NSS unit into different groups and assign the definite task and targets and projects to each group.
- He/she will supervise the working of NSS volunteers.
- He/she will ensure that the basic aims of NSS Programme i.e. personality development of NSS volunteers, interaction of the different classes of society take place harmoniously and the NSS volunteers and community are benefited from the activities of NSS unit.
- He/she will maintain the necessary records and registers prescribed by Government of India and Programme Coordinator of the university.
- He/she will be responsible for the equipment and stores purchased out of NSS funds. He/she will hand over the charge of NSS equipment and stores to his/her successor at the end of his/her tenure.
- He/she will spend the NSS grants as per administrative and financial directives of the Government of India and NSS Programme Coordinator.
- He/she will depute NSS volunteers for participation in various programmes sponsored by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India such as National Integration Camps, Adventure Programmes, Republic Day Parade and any other function organized by the NSS Regional Centre and concerned University.
- He/she will submit the reports to the NSS Regional Centre periodically, Programme Coordinator, NSS State Liaison Officer and TORC/TOC.
- He/she will ensure the submission of accounts in time. The accounts may be got audited from a chartered accountant or departmental auditor along with the utilization certificate.
- He/she will liaise with the officials of the department for NSS projects and activities. He/she will also coordinate with the voluntary organizations working in the field of community development in general and youth work in particular.
- He/she will convene the meeting of the college advisory committee in consultation with the Principal of the institution
Roles & Responsibilities of Faculty Members
- To prepare orientation programme for NSS volunteers, explain them about the concept of social service, and teach them methods and skills required for achieving the objectives of the scheme;
- To promote community education through meetings, talks, news bulletins discussions etc.; and
- To help in formulating NSS programmes which will have direct relationship with the academic curricula.
Roles & Responsibilities of Student Members
- Understand the community in which they work
- Understand themselves in relation to their community
- Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem-solving
- Develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility
- Utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems
