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Make NCC appealing to youngsters: Sonia

Staff Reporter

`Centre to increase expenditure on NCC camps, training'

NEW DELHI: Praising the National Cadet Corps (NCC) for its role in spreading social harmony and instilling values of character, courage and friendship among the younger generation, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said efforts should be made to make the organisation more appealing to the youth.

She said the Central Government had decided to increase its share of expenditure towards NCC camps and training.

Speaking at the 57th Raising Day of the NCC, Ms. Gandhi pointed out that while there were 13 lakh NCC cadets across the nation, it covered less than 4 per cent of the student population. "Girls are excelling in every area and showing that there are really no barriers to their advancement. How come there are less than 2 lakh girls in the NCC," she asked.

Ms. Gandhi said giving the NCC a new direction and supporting its work agenda was very much a matter of priority for the Central Government. "It is part of our effort to improve the life of our jawans and serving officers as also the well-being of former servicemen and their families," she said.

She urged the top military officials to provide more service manpower to the NCC, to expand its operation to remote areas of the nation. Ms. Gandhi said: "Your unique advantage is your idealism and patriotism, your sense of discipline and fortitude and your commitment to service. You come from diverse backgrounds and some of you will join the armed forces, while many will pursue other careers."

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