The main objectives of National Service Scheme (NSS) are :

i. understand the community in which they work

ii. understand themselves in relation to their community

iii. identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem-solving

iv. develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility

v. utilise their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems

vi. develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities

vii. gain skills in mobilising community participation

viii. acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitudes

ix. develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters and

x. practise national integration and social harmony

Coverage:
Started initially in 37 universities involving 40,000 volunteers, the scheme has grown over the years and it
is implemented today with an involvement of more than 2.6 million volunteers spread over in
200 Universities, Polytechnics and +2 Systems. The efforts of NSS volunteers have been widely acclaimed
by the community, universities, colleges and general public as the NSS volunteers have been rendering
selfless service to the community.

Motto:
The Motto of NSS "Not Me But You", reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for self-
less service. NSS helps the students develop appreciation to other person's point of view and also show
consideration to '/other living beings. The philosophy of the NSS is well doctrined in this motto, which
underlines/on the belief that the welfare .of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of the
society on the whole and therefore, the NSS volunteers shall strive for the well-being of the society.
Symbol:
The symbol for the NSS has been based on the giant Rath Wheel of the world famous Konark Sun Temple
(The Black Pagoda) situated in Orissa, India. The wheel portrays the cycle of creation, preservation and
release and signifies the movement in life across time and space, The symbol thus stands for continuity as
well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social change.
Badge
The NSS Symbol is embossed on the badge. The eight bars in the wheel represent the 24 hours of a day.
The red colour indicates that the volunteer is full of young blood that is lively, active, energetic and full of
high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is tiny part, ready to contribute its
share for the welfare of the mankind.

Financial Arrangements:
The scheme is funded by both Central and State Governments in the ratio of 7:5 to organise Regular
Activities (RA) and special Camping Programmes (SCP). An amount of Rs.160/-per volunteer per annum is
released towards Regular Activities (RA) and Rs.300/- per volunteer per Special Camping Programme (SCP)
which is of 10-days duration to be organised in the adopted villages/communities. In addition, the
Government of India provides 100% financial assistance to run NSS Regional Centres, State Liaison Cells
and TOCs/TORCs, The Central Government also provides -100% financial assistance for implementation of
NSS Programmes in Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territories without Legislatures
Administrative Structure at Institution Level

The unit at college/+2 level is the grass-root unit in NSS. The organisation keeps contact with the
community, administration, student youth and teaching faculty through this unit only. Therefore, the
organisation and management of NSS unit are of vital significance.

1. NSS Unit

An institution will be allotted NSS units according to the strength of students. The number of units will be
allotted by the Programme Coordinator in consultation with NSS Regional Centre and State Liaison
Officer considering the demands of the institution. It is expected that the institution will provide necessary
facilities for the successful running of the NSS unit because it is a part of the institution i.e. college or
school.

1.1 The strength of a unit will be 100 NSS volunteers normally. The strength of the NSS unit can be
extended upto 120 volunteers in exceptional cases where second unit cannot be raised due to
constraints. It is always preferable that a separate unit is started instead of enrolling more NSS
volunteers.

1.1 In exceptional cases where the total strength of students enrolled is very small, a smaller NSS
unit can be started with the strength of 75 NSS volunteers.

2. Enrollment of NSS Volunteers

 At college level the NSS volunteers will be enrolled from the first and second year degree-class
students. Preference should be given to the students who have worked as NSS volunteers at +2 level
also.

2.1 Students belonging to minority communities, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes should be
encouraged to participate in NSS. They should be given due representation where more students
desire to join NSS.

2.2 In co-educational colleges the girls should be motivated to join NSS.

2.3 The students from foreign countries studying in Indian universities should also be encouraged
to join NSS so that they may share the experiences of national reconstruction and community
work.

2.4 NCC cadets will not be allowed to join NSS. Similarly NSS volunteers will not participate in NCC
or any other youth organisation as long as they are in NSS. Same restriction will apply to the NSS
Programme Officers also.

3. Programme Officers

One Programme Officer will be incharge of one unit only.

3.1 Only those belonging to the teaching faculty will be considered for appointment as Programme
Officer.

3.2 Programme Officer will be responsible for the organisation of NSS unit, implementation of NSS
programme under the supervision and direction of Principal of the college or head of the
institution.

3.3 The Programme Officer will be responsible to carry out the instructions issued by the
Programme Coordinator of the University, NSS Regional Centre and State Liaison Officer for the
implementation of NSS activities as per the NSS Manual, programme guidelines and
administrative and policy directives.

3.4 There shall not be any clash between the instructions issued by the NSS Regional Centre or
 State Liaison Officer or Programme Coordinator as these instructions are to be based on NSS
Manual/Programme guidelines or administrative or policy directives issued by the Government of
India.

PROGRAMME OFFICER – APPOINTMENT, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

The Programme Officer is expected to motivate student youth to understand the values and
philosophy of NSS. The overall functions of Programme Officer is to help the students to plan, implement,
and evaluate the activities of NSS under his/her charge and give proper guidance and directions to the
student volunteers.

1. To discharge his/her obligations under NSS Programme the Programme Officer plays the role of an
organiser, an educator, a coordinator, a supervisor, an administrator, and public relation officer
to improve the quality and magnitude of NSS programme in his/her institution. His/her functions
can be stated as under :-

(a) As an Organizer

(i) To interpret the scheme to the students and other members of the college community and
create awareness about the scheme;

(ii) To Motivate, recruit and select student for NSS work;

(iii) To enlist cooperation and coordination of community agencies, government

departments and non-governmental agencies; and

(iv) To select service projects on the basis of utility an feasibility.

(b) As an Educator

(i) 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;

(ii) To promote community education through meetings, talks, news bulletins discussions
 etc.; and

(iii) To help in formulating NSS programmes which will have direct relationship with the
academic curricula.

(c) As a Coordinator

(i) To coordinate NSS activities in accordance with the students ability and community
demands.

(ii) To coordinate internal resources available in the form of teaching expertise of teachers
for enhancing the knowledge and skills of the students in implementation of the scheme;
and

(iii) To coordinate various external resources available in the forms of government

services; welfare agencies and voluntary bodies for the success of the NSS programme.

(d) As a Supervisor

(i) To assist students to learn how to do their jobs. His/her supervisory and consultative skills
should enable students to set realistic goals and see problems as challenge and take
appropriate steps to solve them.

(ii) To assist in evaluation and follow-up work.

(e) As an Administrator

(i) To keep the Principal, College Advisory Committee and the Programme Coordinator of
the University informed of the activities of the unit;

(ii) To run day-to-day administration of the programme;

 (iii) To attend correspondence regularly;

(iv) To maintain record of students participation and activities undertaken;

(v) To prepare progress report periodically for submission to college/school and university;

(vi) To keep accounts and stock in the prescribed forms; and

(vii) To prepare annual calendar of activities to be undertaken.

(f) As a Public Relation Person

(i) To inform the community about the scheme through press reports, radio and television
programmes, pamphlets, seminars and speaker’s forums.

(ii) To initiate IEC campaigns for image building of NSS in order to inspire and motivate
the students and community.

2. Selection of the Programme Officer

The selection of the Programme Officer will be made by the Principal of the institution in
consultation with the Programme Coordinator of the respective university/+2 level.

2.1 Qualification

(i) Programme Officer will be selected from the members of teaching faculty only.
 (ii) NCC Officers and Physical Education Directors should not be appointed as NSS
Programme Officer.

(iii) In women college/girls schools a lady teacher should be appointed as Programme

Officer. However, male members may help the lady Programme Officer.

(iv) A teacher who has high level of, motivation, inclination and aptitude for community
work and above all very good report with students should be preferred as Programme
Officer.

2.2. Tenure

The maximum period for which a teacher is appointed as Programme Officer will be 3 years in the
first instance. However, this period is extendible upto 4th year, on the basis of the review of his/her
performance by the Principal and Programme Coordinator.

3. Training/Orientation

The Programme Officer will be sent for orientation course within 3 months of his/her selection. The
Programme Officer must undergo the orientation training within one year of the date of his/her selection
in case the orientation is not conducted in the stipulated period of 3 months.

3.1 The Principal of the institution will intimate to the Programme Coordinator, NSS Regional Centre
and TORC/TOC concerned regarding the selection of the Programme Officer and necessary
arrangement of the orientation of the selected Programme Officer. The Principal will also ensure
that the Programme Officer is relieved for participation in orientation training organised by
TORC/TOC. Similarly, the Programme Officer is expected to attend refresher course after every
two years and it is the obligation of the head of the institution to relieve the Programme Officer
for this purpose.

3.2 If the selected Programme Officer does not undergo the orientation training for any reason within
one year from the date of his/her selection, he/she will cease to function as Programme Officers
and another person will be selected and given training in time. No Programme Officer without
orientation will continue to work as Programme Officer if he/she is not trained within the
stipulated period.
4. Approach

The main objective of NSS programme is to prepare the NSS volunteers for the democratic, self-
disciplined and self-reliant way of life. It is, therefore, of vital importance that the NSS units are organised
and run on democratic lines. The student leaders, NSS leaders, NSS volunteers and other members of the
staff, and eminent personalities from the community are also to be associated with it. They should be
encouraged to participate in planning, execution and evaluation of NSS programme

The National Service Scheme covers students at the level of higher education. Thus the administrative
structures of the higher education have the responsibility of looking after NSS and its implementation at
college/school/universities level. The successful functioning of NSS cell at University level will give
impetus for proper implementation of NSS in the unit level.

1. NSS University Cell

Every University should have an NSS Cell to supervise and coordinate NSS Programme in
Colleges affiliated to it.

1.1. The Universities having strength of more than 10000 NSS volunteers should have full time
programme coordinators. The Universities having strength of less than 10000 NSS volunteers
may have part time programme coordinators.

1.2. NSS being an academic extension programme the University will provide necessary
infrastructure and other facilities like telephone, office and office equipment and secretarial
assistance for the smooth functioning of the cell.
1.3. The cell will function under the Vice-Chancellor, the Programme Coordinator, NSS will be
incharge of the cell and the main executive functionary.

2. Programme Coordinator

The Programme Coordinator is the key functionary as far as NSS is concerned. Therefore, a
dedicated and devoted Programme Coordinator can plan, execute and evaluate the NSS activities in a
proper perspective. The Programme Coordinator will execute all administrative and policy directives of the
government, decisions of the State Advisory Committee and University Advisory Committee. The NSS
programme will be prepared in the light of the guidelines issued by the Government of India.

2.1 Term/Tenure of the Programme Coordinator

The Programme Coordinator will be appointed on deputation/short term contract for the period of
three years extendable by one year further. No Programme Coordinator will be appointed on Permanent
basis.

2.2 Functions of the Programme Coordinators

(a) To assist and guide the NSS unit for implementation of NSS programmes at college
level.

(b) To help in organising camps, training and orientation programmes for the NSS
leaders.

(c) To visit the NSS units for monitoring and evaluation.

(d) To ensure implementation of NSS Regular activities and special camping programmes.

(e) To ensure timely release of grants to colleges.

(f) To submit the reports and returns to Programme Adviser, Regional Centre, State
Liaison Officer and TOC/TORC.
(g) To ensure selection of new Programme Officers as per guidelines and ensure their
orientation within the stipulated period.

(h) To submit half yearly reports and other information required to Government of India,
Regional Centre and State Liaison Officer on the prescribed proforma.

(i) To have liaison with Regional Centre and State Liaison Officer and TOC/TORC for the
implementation of NSS programme.

(j) To bring out documents and reports on the achievements of NSS.

(i) To present the views of the Ministry and if advised bys the State
Government, the view of the State Government, in the University
Advisory Committees and to the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities,
Principals of the Colleges, other persons connected with NSS
Programmes;

(ii) To assist in preparation of NSS Programmes, including Special

Camping Programmes, in conformity with the policies and guidelines;

(iii) To keep the Vice-Chancellors and heads of +2 Councils apprised of

the state of the programme in their respective Universities and
Colleges/institutions;

(iv) To take steps to see that funds are released in time by the University
to the college;

(v) To visit different NSS units and camps for supervision, consultancy,
guidance etc;

(vi) The ensure that the NSS programme is implemented as per NSS
manual and administrative instructions issued by the Government of
India from time to time. Deviation from the established policies may be
brought to the notice of the Ministryand the Programme Adviser.
 (c) TOCs/TORCs and Evaluating Agencies

Orientation and training of persons attached with NSS being a vital input for sustaining its
dynamism in universities, colleges and +2 schools, it is necessary that the various facts of the
programme are studied, understood and evaluated. The NSS Regional Centres have to play their role in
this sphere mainly :-

(i) To observe the organisation of orientation training, research and

evaluation and other activities in these institutions;

(ii) To visit the training programmes whenever possible and advise the
TOC/TORCs on policies and guidelines;

(iii) To function as a resource person in the orientation and training

programme;

(iv) To help the TOC/TORCs in the evaluation of regular and special

camping programme;

(v) To report the progress of the TOC/TORCs as member of the Training

Advisory Committee.

About nss
In India, the idea of involving students in the task of national service dates back to the times of Mahatma
Gandhi, the father of the nation. The central theme which he tried to impress upon his student audience
time and again, was that they should always keep before them, their social responsibility. The first duty of
the students should be, not to treat their period of study as one of the opportunities for indulgence in
intellectual luxury, but for preparing themselves for final dedication in the service of those who provided the
sinews of the nation with the national goods & services so essential to society. Advising them to form a
living contact with the community in whose midst their institution is located, he suggested that instead of
undertaking academic research about economic and social disability, the students should do "something
positive so that the life of the villagers might be raised to a higher material and moral level".

The cardinal principle of the programme is that it is organised by the students themselves and both
students and teachers through their combined participation in social service, get a sense of
involvement in the tasks of national development. Besides, the students, particularly, obtain work
experience which might help them to find avenues of self-employment or employment in any
organisation at the end of their university career. The initial financial arrangements provided for an
expenditure of Rs. 120/- per NSS student per annum to be shared by the Central and the State
Governments in the ratio of 7:5 i.e. the Central Government spending Rs. 70/- and State
Governments Rs. 50/- respectively per NSS student per year. An amount of Rs. 120/- per NSS
student per annum on programmes to be shared by the Central and State Governments in the
ration of 7:5 (i.e. Rs. 70/- per student by the central government and Rs. 50/- per student by the
State Governments). Keeping the inflation in view, it is now under consideration to revise the
amount for Special Camping and Regular Activities.

11. The scheme now extends to all the states ad universities in the country and covers +2 level also in
many states. Students, teachers, guardians, persons in authority in government, universities and
colleges/schools and the people in general now realize the need and significance of NSS. It has
aroused among the student youth an awareness of the realities of life, a better understanding and
appreciation of the problems of the people. NSS is, thus, a concrete attempt in making campus
relevant to the needs of the community. There are several instances of excellent work and
exemplary conduct of NSS units which have earned them respect and confidence of the people. The
special camping programmes organised under the themes of 'Youth Against Famine (1973)', 'Youth
Against Dirt & Disease (1974-75)', 'Youth for Eco-Development' and "Youth for Rural Reconstruction'
'Youth for National Development and Youth for Literacy (1985-93)' 'Youth for National Integration
and Communal Harmony (1993-95)' have resulted in gains both to the community as well as to the
students. The theme for the year 1995-96 onwards for Special Camping is Youth for Sustainable
Development with focus on Watershed Management and Water land Development'. Themes have
been selected in accordance with national priorities. Also, from 1991-92 onwards NSS has launched
a nationwide campaign on AIDS Awareness called "Universities Talk AIDS" (UTA) which has earned
international attention and appreciation.

12. Community service rendered by university and +2 level students has covered several aspects like
adoption of villages for intensive development work, carrying out the medico-social surveys, setting
up of medical centres, programmes of mass immunization, sanitation drives, adult education
programmes for the weaker sections of the community, blood donation, helping patients in
hospitals, helping inmates of orphanages and the physically handicapped etc. NSS volunteers did
commendable relief work during natural calamities/emergencies such as cyclones, floods, famine,
earthquake, et. From time to time all over the country. The NSS students have also done useful
work in organising campaigns for eradication of social evils, and popularization of the nationally
accepted objectives like nationalism, democracy, secularism, social harmony and development of
scientific temper.
Activity Forum
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FAQ OF NSS
When was the draft outline of the NSS placed before the Education Minister’s
conference ?

In 1959.

When was the National Service Scheme launched ?

National Service Scheme was launched on 24 September, 1969 by the then Education Minister
Dr. V.K. R.V. Rao in 37 universities covering all states .

What is the National Service Scheme ?

National Service Scheme, popularly known as NSS is an extension dimension to the higher
education system to orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in
educational institutions, under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India.
During which five year Plan, Planning Commission sanctioned NSS ?

The Planning Commission sanctioned an outlay of Rs. 5 Crore for National Service
Scheme(NSS) during the Fourth Five year plan.

What is the Motto of NSS ?

The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is “NOT ME BUT YOU”.

What is the NSS symbol ?

The NSS symbol is based on the rath of wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Orissa.

What does the colour Navy blue depict in NSS badge ?

The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part , ready to contribute
its share for the welfare of the mankind.

What does the colour red depicts in NSS badge?

The Red colour in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood i.e. lively,
active, energetic and full of high spirit.

What does the giant wheel depicts in NSS symbol ?

The giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the cycle of creation ,preservation and release, and
signify the movement in life across time and space.
When is the NSS day observed ?

The NSS day is observed on 24th September every year.

Where is the NSS Headquarter located?

The NSS Headquarter is located in New Delhi.

What is the student in NSS known as?

NSS volunteer

What sort of activities are undertaken in NSS ?

Mainly two type of activities i. Regular Activities ii. Special Camping programmes

How much time I will have to devote as an NSS volunteer?

Total 240 hours social service in two years duration

Is it compulsory to attend 10 days NSS Special Camp ?

Yes it is compulsory, to attend ten days NSS special camp beside regular activities (one camp
in 2 years of volunteership).
What is meant by regular activities in NSS ?

Various activities undertaken by the NSS volunteers in adopted villages/slums for community
service on yearly basis. Duration of these services 120 hours.

Why NSS is not having any uniform like NCC , Bharat Scouts & Guide?

NSS is a wonderful scheme having multipurpose projects of different nature simultaneously,

hence no uniform can be decided for our dedicated NSS volunteers.

How many NSS Regional Centres are there in India ?

There are 15 NSS Regional Centres all over India.