Volunteers awakened the spirit of service
Announcement of Rs 50 lakh to NSS’s state unit for organizing programs
Chief Minister attended the State Level Foundation Day and Honor Ceremony of National Service Scheme
Raipur, 23 September 2024//
Highlighting the contributions of National Service Scheme’s (NSS) Volunteers, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai announced the approval of Rs 50 lakh to NSS’s state unit for organizing various programs.
Shri Sai was addressing the State Level Foundation Day and Honor Ceremony of NSS organized in Krishak Auditorium of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidalaya on Monday.
Appreciating the role if NSS volunteers, Shri said, “NSS volunteers are making important contributions in nation building and have awakened the spirit of service in rural and urban areas. They have set an example by making productive contributions in the field of education, health including Swachhata Abhiyan, Literacy Campaign. We seek volunteer’s active participation in encouraging youth for de-addiction in the country.”
Hence, he said that volunteers deserve financial support for which the funding amount has been increased from Rs 13 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for organizing the programs across state unit.
On this occasion, Secretary of Higher Education Department Mr Prasanna R, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University Dr Girish Chandel, Commissioner of Higher Education Department Mr Janak Prasad Pathak, State NSS Officer, Dr Neeta Bajpai were also present. On this occasion, the Chief Minister honoured the young volunteers, program officers and institutions for making an excellent contribution in service works and released the NSS ‘s magazine Samarpan. He administered the oath of cleanliness to the people present.
Chief Minister Mr Sai said that the National Service Scheme was started on the 100th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. In remembrance of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, he said that Kalam often encouraged people to live not just for themselves, but in a way that future generations would be proud of them. He emphasized that pride comes from making meaningful contributions to society through creativity. He also stated that the youth play a crucial role in carrying forward the legacy entrusted to us by our nation’s builders. Chief Minister said that it is a matter of proud that on Republic Day, eight girl students of NSS of our state participated in the parade organized in Kartavya Path in New Delhi. This parade was dedicated to Nari Shakti and our girl students made the state proud by participating in it.
Chief Minister said that the government is doing great work for the youth. Employment oriented education is being provided to the youth through the new education policy. Youth are being given skill training. They are being introduced to new age trades. Youth can learn the skills of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and are being given the facility of interest free loan for professional studies through Mukhyamantri Uchchaar Shiksha Yojana. A large number of recruitments are coming out in various departments. Youth willing to go into the field of enterprise can take advantage of Chhattisgarh Udyam Kranti Yojana. In this, interest free loan is given on 50 percent subsidy. Internship scheme has been started by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to provide opportunities to the youth in the industry. In this, one crore youth will get a chance to learn work in the top 500 companies of the country and will also get allowance for this.
Chief Minister said that Swami Vivekananda used to say that if I get 100 energetic youth, I can change the condition and direction of the country. In Chhattisgarh around 1.06 lakh volunteers are associated with the National Service Scheme. Hence, counting on this huge number of the enthusiasts of youth, I am fully confident that we will definitely achieve the goal of developed India and developed Chhattisgarh, said Shri Sai.
Secretary of Higher Education Department, Shri Prasanna R said that around 8 lakh young volunteers have been prepared in the state through NSS, currently there are more than 1 lakh volunteers of NSS, who are contributing in creative works. Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Dr Girish Chandel, Commissioner of Higher Education Department, Shri Janak Prasad Pathak also addressed the program. State NSS officer Dr Neeta Bajpai gave the welcome speech. The program was conducted by NSS program coordinator Dr. RP Agarwal. On this occasion, students and officers associated with NSS from all over the state were present in large numbers.
