National Service Scheme (NSS) 1 (0+1)

LECTURE OUTLINES
1. Introduction and Basic Components of NSS
2. Orientation: history, objectives, principles, symbol, badge; regular programs under NSS
3. Organizational structure of NSS, Code of conduct for NSS volunteers
4. NSS program activities.
5. Concept of regular activities, special camping, day camps, basis of adoption of
village/slums, conducting survey, analyzing guiding financial patterns of scheme,
6. Understanding youth. Definition, profile, categories, issues and challenges of youth; and
opportunities for youth who is agent of the social change.
7. Youth program/ schemes of GOI, coordination with different agencies and maintenance
of diary.
8. Community mobilization. Mapping of community stakeholders, designing the message
as per problems and their culture; identifying methods of mobilization involving youth-
adult
partnership.
9. Social harmony and national integration Indian history and culture
10. Role of youth in nation building, conflict resolution and peace- building.
11. Volunteerism and shramdaan.
12. Indian tradition of volunteerism, its need, importance, motivation, and constraints;
shaman as part of volunteerism
13. Observance of state festivals through NSS units.
14. Citizenship, constitution, and human rights.
15. Basic features of constitution of India, fundamental rights and duties, human rights,
consumer awareness and rights and rights to information.
16. Family and society. Concept of family, community (PRIs and other community-based
organizations) and society.
 Introduction and Basic Components of 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 post-independence era was marked by an urge for introducing social service for
students, both as a measure of educational reform and as a means to improve the quality of
educated manpower. The UGC headed by Dr. Radhakrishnan recommended introduction of
national service in the academic institutions on a voluntary basis with a view to developing
healthy contacts between the students and teachers on the one hand and establishing a
constructive linkage between the campus and the community on the other hand.
The idea was again considered by the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) at
its meeting held in January, 1950. After examining the various aspects of the matter and in the
light of experience of other countries in this field, the Board recommended that students should
devote some time to manual work on a voluntary basis and that the teachers should also
associate with them in such work.
On September 24, 1969, the then Union Education Minister Dr. V.K.R.V. Rao, launched
the NSS programme in 37 universities covering all States and simultaneously requested the
Chief Ministers of States for their cooperation and help. It was appropriate that the programme
was started during the Gandhi Centenary Year as it was Gandhiji who inspired the Indian youth
to participate in the movement for Indian independence and the social uplift of the downtrodden
masses of our nation.
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. 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.
 Chapter-2 : NSS – BASIC CONCEPTS

The overall aim of National Service Scheme as envisaged earlier, 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 and +2 level 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.

Objectives:

1. The broad objectives of NSS are to:

(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 process;
(iv) develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility;
(v) utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community
problems;
(vi) develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities;
(vii) gain skills in mobilizing community participation;
(viii) acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;
(ix) develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters and
(x) practice national integration and social harmony.

The Motto

2. 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.

NSS Symbol

3. The symbol of the National Service Scheme, as appearing on the cover page of this
Manual is based on the ‘Rath’ wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Orissa. These
giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the cycle of creation, preservation and release,
 and signify the movement in life across time and space. The design of the symbol, a
simplified form of the Sun-chariot wheel primarily depicts movement. The wheel
signifies the progressive cycle of life. It stands for continuity as well as change and
implies the continuous striving of NSS for social transformation and upliftment.

NSS Badge

4. The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. The NSS volunteers wear it while
undertaking any programme of community service. The Konark wheel in the symbol has
eight bars which represent the 24 hours of the day. Hence, the badge reminds the wearer
to be in readiness for service of the nation round the clock i.e. for 24 hours. 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. 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.

NSS Day

5. NSS was formally launched on 24th September, 1969, the birth centenary year of
the Father of the Nation. Therefore, 24 September is celebrated every year as NSS Day
with appropriate programmes and activities.

NSS Song

6. During Silver Jubilee Year the NSS theme song ha s been composed. All NSS
volunteers are expected to learn the theme song and sing the song during NSS
programmes and celebrations. The theme song cassette is available and the theme song is
given in the end of the Manual.
 PART – II
NSS PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES

Chapter 1 : BASIC CONCEPTS AND COMPONENTS

1. 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.

NSS Programme Officer

1.1 The Programme Officer, who is a member of the teaching faculty provides necessary
leadership to the youth/NSS students. The teacher/NSS programme officer has the
professional knowledge and skills. He/she is also a representative of the school/college
and the educated elite and knows the needs and aspirations of student youth. Further
he/she is expected to be a role model of the values and the norms of the institution and
the society as a whole. Therefore, he/she is the fittest person to provide necessary lead to
the students in developing their personality through community service. In fact the
Programme Officer is a friend, philosopher and guide to the students in achieving this
goal.

NSS Volunteer

1.2 The NSS volunteer, who is a college/+2 level student is the main beneficiary of the
programme by way of development of his/her perception about the community, his/her
skill to perform certain jobs, and develop quality of a leader, organiser, and an
administrator and development of his/her personality as a whole. Through NSS, he/she
gets opportunities to see the community closely and thus gets an experience of human
nature in relation to his/her environment. This is how the NSS programme aims to make
NSS student youth better citizens through “Development of their personality through
Community Service”.

Community

1.3 The community provides NSS volunteer the first hand knowledge of living conditions of
masses to the NSS volunteers and thus, the process of mutual learning starts. The
interaction of community with students and teachers while on one hand enrich the
personality of student volunteers and on the other hand help the community to improve
its living conditions.
Aims of NSS Programmes/Activities

1.4 The operational aim of NSS is to integrate the three basic components of the programme.
NSS programme should provide a variety of learning experiences which must develop a
sense of participation, service and achievement among the volunteers. The activities
should aim at the following:-
(i) making education more relevant to the present situation to meet the felt needs of
the community and supplement the education of the university/college students by
bringing them face to face with the rural situation;
(ii) Providing opportunities to the students to play their role in planning and executing
development projects which would not only help in creating durable community
assets in rural areas and urban slums but also results in the improvement of
quality of life of the economically and socially weaker sections of the community;
(iii) Encouraging students and non-students to work together along with the adults in
rural areas;
(iv) Developing qualities of leadership by discovering the latent potential among the
campers, both students as well as local youth (Rural and Urban), with a view to
involve them more intimately in the development programme and also to ensure
proper maintenance of the assets created during the camps;
(v) Emphasizing dignity of labour and self- help and the need for combining physical
work with intellectual pursuits;
(vi) Encouraging youth to participate enthusiastically in the process of national
development and promote national integration, through corporate living and
cooperative action.

While undertaking these activities, each NSS unit should envisage its
programmes/activities aimed at instilling discipline, building character, promotion
of physical fitness and development of culture.

Classification of NSS Programme

1.5 NSS activities have been divided in two major groups. These are regular NSS activities
and special camping programme –

(a) Regular NSS Activity: Under this, students undertake various programmes
in the adopted villages, college/school campuses and urban slums during week
ends or after college hours;

(b) Special Camping Programme: Under this, camps of 10 days duration are
organised in adopted villages or urban slums during vacations with some specific
projects by involving local communities. 50% NSS volunteers are expected to
participate in these camps. Special Camping programme under NSS has been
dealt with in Part III in detail.

1.6 NSS Regular Activities: As stated above, NSS volunteers undertake various
activities in adopted villages and slums for community service. Duration of these
 services is 120 hours. The NSS units organise the regular activities as detailed
below:

(i) Orientation of NSS volunteers: To get the NSS volunteers acquainted with the
basics of NSS programmes, 20 hours are allocated fo r their orientation through
lectures, discussions, field visits and audio-visuals etc.

(ii) Campus Work: The NSS volunteers may be involved in the projects undertaken
for the benefit of the institution and students concerned. Such projects cover
development of play grounds, laying of gardens, tree plantation in the premises,
awareness programmes on drug-abuse, AIDS, population education and other
projects. The NSS volunteers may work on campus projects for not exceeding 30
hours in a year;
(iii) The remaining 70 hours will be utilized for community service on the projects in
adopted villages/urban slums independently or in collaboration with others in this
field, as detailed below:

(a) Institutional work: The students may be placed with selected voluntary
organisations working for the welfare of women, children, aged and
disabled outside the campus.
(b) Rural Project: The rural projects generally include the working of NSS
volunteers in adopted villages for eradication of illiteracy, watershed
management and wasteland development, agricultural operations, health,
nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, mother and child care, family life education,
gender justice, development of rural cooperatives, savings drives,
construction of rural roads, campaign against social evils etc.

© Urban Projects: In addition to rural projects other include adult

education, welfare of slum dwellers, training in civil defence, traffic
control, setting up first-aid posts, work in hospitals, orphanages, destitute
home, environment, population education, drug, AIDS awareness, and
income generation projects etc. Professional and technical institutions
having NSS may have to design appropriate programmes for the
community based on the needs.

(d) Natural calamities & National Emergencies: The NSS units are expected
to utilize the services of NSS volunteers at the time of natural calamities
and national emergencies for mobilizing public support and rendering
necessary assistance to the authorities in rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
In such emergencies and calamities the Programme Officers are expected
to take the initiative and offer the services of the NSS units and its
volunteers to assist the administration. For further details please see page
No.23 of the Manual.

(e) National Days and Celebrations : The National Service Scheme

programmes also include the celebration of National days. The purpose of
such a provision is to celebrate such occasions in a befitting manner. List
 of important days and weeks to be celebrated at institutional level are
given in Annexure-I.

1.7 National Programmes: In the development perspective of any nation, certain

programmes assumes special relevance in view of problems existing or anticipated. In
our country, three such programmes have been launched. They are the Mass Programme
of Functional Literacy, AIDS Awareness Programme and Sustainable Development with
emphasis on Watershed Management & Wasteland Development. It is pertinent to
mention here that NSS Volunteers ha ve come forward with zeal to make these
programmes a great success.
 CHAPTER - 2 : NSS PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES

NSS Regular activities in Adopted Villages, Slums and with

Voluntary Organisations

NSS volunteers generally work with villages, slums and voluntary agencies to complete
120 hours of regular activities during an academic year. The aim of NSS volunteers in these
areas has already been discussed I the previous chapter. As perthe fundamental principles of
National Service Scheme, a vo lunteer is expected to remain in constant touch with the
community. Hence, it is of vital importance that a particular village/slum is selected for
implementation of NSS programmes. As the NSS volunte4er is to live with the members of the
community and learn from their experience during his/her tenure in NSS, the village/slum should
be carefully selected for adoption by NSS unit.

1. Adoption of Villages

1.1 Adoption of a village and area is a very meaningful programme in NSS. It is far better to
concentrate attention on one village and take up the task for development perspective,
than to fritter away energy in many locations involving too many activities which may
not be completed at all or where the follow up action may not be possible. From this
point of view, village adoption programme should ensure continuity of work vis-à-vis
sustained action, evaluation and follow up work.

Contacting Village/Area Leaders

1.2 As a first step in this programme, it is necessary to establish contact with more than one
village which would help to select a village where ‘Leadership’ is well established. In
other words, selecting a village with proper leadership is very important as the sustained
follow up action and evaluation is ensured in such places. To start with, the NSS unit can
take the help of the Block Authorities, District Panchayat Officer, District Tribal Welfare
Officer, District Medical Officer, Extension Officer of Agriculture, Irrigation and
Education Departments for the selection of the village. It is to be noted that the selected
villages should be within a short distance from the college so that constant contact can
easily be made.

Survey of the Village/Area

1.3 Before drawing up the plan of action, it is absolutely necessary to conduct a

comprehensive survey of few villages situated at a short distance from the college. The
assistance from the teachers and students of agriculture, economics, commerce,
geography, statistics, home science, social work, medicine, psychology and education etc.
have to be sought for the purpose. Conducting socio-economic survey can be an
interesting field activity which has direct bearing on the curriculum of economics,
commerce, statistics, psychology, health education etc. The report of such a survey will
provide up-to-date information about the problems and potentials of the village and help
in programme planning for village development. The applied field work will help the
students to increase their analytical ability and deepen their thinking. Further, this will
 help them to identify the problems which have been left unnoticed. The survey work can
also be accomplished with the help of PRA exercises (Participatory Rural Appraisal)

Identification of Problem(s)

1.4 It is on the basis of this need assessment that projects/programmes are to be formulated.
The programme officers should use their discretion and should identify the projects
which can be completed by seeking assistance from the communities/other agencies.
1.5 As the aim of adoption of village or area is to give new ideas of development to the
villagers which would improve their living conditions. Once the trust of the communities
is won, they start cooperating with the NSS volunteers and approach them for solution of
their problems. One of the important service that can be rendered by NSS volunteers is
disseminating information about the latest developments in agriculture, watershed
management, wastelands development, non-conventional energy, low cost housing,
sanitation, nutrition and personal hygiene, schemes for skill development, income
generation, government schemes, legal aid, consumer protection and allied field. A
liaison between government and other development agencies like Banks, IRDP, ICDS,
NREP, DWCRA, JRY etc. can also be made.
1.6 The Programme Officers (PO) should motivate the communities to involve themselves
with NSS for the community development work undertaken by the NSS unit. Further he
or she will have to seek the help of various government departments and agencies for
technical advice and financial assistance. Therefore, he/she must establish lathes good
rapport with the government officials and development agencies. For this, it is better if
the administration is taken into confidence by prior consultations.

Completion of Projects

1.7 As already stated, the Programme Officer must select the projects very carefully as the
image of NSS depends upon the successful completion of such projects. Successful
completion of the projects can win appreciation and credit of the community.

Evaluation of Project

1.8 Every project sho uld be evaluated after its completion by involving members of the
community, Government officials and Panchayat officials. The NSS unit should learn
from the lapses in the execution of the project and plan for the next project keeping in
view the bottlenecks and constraints faced by them during the earlier project.

2. Adoption of Slums

Most of the colleges and universities are usually located in the urban areas. Due to long
distance between the college campuses and the villages, the visits to the adopted villages by the
NSS volunteers may become expensive and time consuming. In view of this, it is desirable to
adopt slum especially by colleges located in urban areas.

Survey of the Slum

2.1 For adoption of a slum, there should be composite survey team consisting of students
drawn from faculties like, Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Home Science and
Social Work etc. The selected areas should be compact and should be easily accessible
for students. Areas with acute political conflicts may be avoided.
2.2 The issues pertaining to the identification of problems, project planning, interaction and
coordination with the various departmental agencies, execution and completion of
projects shall be undertaken on the same basis/lines as discussed earlier in the part
‘Adoption of Villages’. The progress of projects should also be reviewed frequently.

Services in Slums

2.3 The slum, tenements, jhuggis and jhoupris can be adopted by the NSS units with the aim
of slum improvement and check its spread. Under this, activities like providing water,
water logging, sanitation, electricity, drainage, health and welfare services, life and living
conditions, can be undertaken.

NSS volunteers for Slum Work

2.4 Taking into account the living conditions & status of slum dwellers of the slums, only
highly motivated, adaptable, mature and skilled students should be selected for slum
development.
2.5 Following are the tasks which the students can undertaken in slum areas:-

(a) As Community Investigators: They can prepare brief community profile on

various slums in the city or town covering different amenities, services, and living
conditions etc.
(b) As Community Workers: They can identify local leaders and in cooperation
with them discuss local problems on which cooperative action can be initiated.
© As Programme Aides: Studfents can help the local communities in launching a
number of programmes like setting up a free milk distribution centre, sanitation
drive, recreation, adult lad primary education, health projects like immunization,
fairst aid centre, child care, nutrition classes, and free legal aid centres etc. They
can also help in forming youth clubs, children’s groups, mahila mandals etc.

(d) As Community Organizers: NSS students, after establishing rapport with the slum
dwellers, can form community association to tackle local problems on a group basis with
reliance on local resources, self help and mutual aid and with some minimum external
assistance.

2.6 Some suggestions for Selection of slums

(i) There should be a socio-economic survey of the slum by a team of volunteers

drawn from different faculties;
(ii) The selected area should be compact. There should not be more than 300 residents
in an adopted slum;
 (iii) The community people should be receptive to the ideas of improving their living
standard. They should also be ready to coordinate and involve in the projects
undertaken by the NSS for their upliftment;
(iv) The areas where political conflicts are likely to arise should be avoided by the
NSS units;
(v) The area should be easily accessible to the NSS volunteers to undertake frequent
visits to slums;
(vi) The working in the slum needs commitment and hard work. Only sensitive and
highly motivated NSS volunteers can find easy to serve in slum areas.

3. Coordination with Voluntary Organisations

It may be noted that the NSS unit has no financial resource to implement any programme
in the adopted villages or slum on its own. Therefore, a successful unit has to closely
coordinate with the government agencies and voluntary organisations working in this
field.

3.1 After identification of the needs of the community and the selection of projects, the
programme officer should look for the Government agency or a voluntary organisation
who can assist in the completion of a particular project. The different departments of the
Government like forest, agriculture, adult education, health, child and family welfare, can
render very useful assistance to the project pertaining to community work. Voluntary
organisations can also help in forming public opinion in favour of NSS projects. Adult
education samitis, Nasha Bandi Boards, Yuva Mandals and Mahila Mandals can provide
additional assistance to the NSs units. Similarly voluntary land statutory welfare
agencies such as Community Centres, Residential Institutions for children/wome n, the
Aged and Institutions for physically handicapped and disabled can provide a wide scope
of the choice of service to the NSS volunteers. NSS volunteers can be placed with these
agencies considering the inherent aptitudes and inclinations of NSS volunteers. NSS
volunteers must be told to develop a sense of belonging and respect for the people with
whom they are working. Working in close collaboration with these agencies will help the
NSS volunteers in understanding the problems of a vulnerable section of the society. The
work opportunities in the welfare institutions may be enumerated as under:-

(i) adoption of welfare institutions and helping the inmates and staff by arranging
outings, fund collection drives, reading and writing letters for those who are
unable to do so;
(ii) propagation of the message of small family norms, health education, small
savings drives etc;
(iii) working for improvement of physical environment;
(iv) programme of non- formal education and general literacy classes;
(v) organisation of economic development activities;
(vi) establishment of hobby centres and
(vii) assisting in the rehabilitation work of the disabled, destitute etc.
 In addition, NSS units and welfare agencies can take up joint community
development projects and other programmes of community welfare land
awareness depending on the local needs.

3.2 The NSS Programme Officers should plan activities in the adopted village or slum in
such a way that the leisure time of the NSS volunteers can be utilized in the service of
adopted village or slum. Week-end visits to the adopted areas provide suitable
opportunities to live with the community and know their problems and make an earnest
effort to do something for them. Similarly efforts should be made to follow up the work
done in the areas earlier. Such sustained efforts will flower into friendship between the
NSS unit and the community. These activities can be arranged through one day camps
and frequent visits under regular activities.

4. National Service Volunteer Scheme (NSVS)

This scheme provides opportunities for outstanding Ex-NSS volunteers to undertake

service oriented activities on a full time basis.

4.1 The placement of the volunteers is made with the university Programme Coordinators,
colleges or institutions having NSS units. The NSS volunteers assist the concerned
authorities in field work and projects concerning youth and community. They cannot be
employed on any clerical or office work. The NSVs is given a stipend of Rs. 500/- per
month, and a traveling allowance of Rs. 200/- per month and Rs. 100 as annual
contingency expenditure. Selection of NSVs is made by a Committee constituted for this
purpose. The placement of volunteer is for a period of one year initially which can be
extended for another year subject to assessment of his/her performance. The stipend
including traveling allowance and contingency expenditure is borne by the Department of
Youth Affairs & Sports
4.2 The Department of Youth Affairs & sports has published pamphlets on youth
programmes. These pamphlets may be obtained from the Under Secretary, Publication
Unit, Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001 or
from NSS Regional Centes and Nehru Yuva Kendras.
4.3 The Department of Youth & Sports does not entertain proposals regarding any youth
programmes directly from the sponsor. These proposals are processed at initial stage by
the NSS Regional Centres in their respective region. Therefore, it is desirable that the
Regional Centres are approached for detailed information for preparing such proposal in
consultation with the Programme Coordinator of the University.
4.4 The authorities concerned with National Service Scheme sincerely desire that the benefit
of these programmes should reach the NSS volunteers who are the target groups of these
programmes.

5. Day Camps

Some universities have informed that NSS volunteers fail to complete the prescribed 120
hours in social work under NSS programme due to disturbance caused to academic
session. It was therefore suggested that NSS units may be allowed to organize day camps
to complete the prescribed 120 hours of NSS regular work. These camps of 8 hours
duration may be organised on week ends and holidays. They may do the community
work for 16 hours in 2 consecutive days. Expenditure not exceeding Rs. 8/- per head per
day may be incurred towards refreshment and transport expenses out of college/+2 level
NSS regular activity grants meant for the development of programme. Such camps can be
organised selectively when felt necessary in consultation with the Principals of the
Institutions.
Understanding youth - Definition, profile, categories, issues and challenges
of youth; and opportunities for youth who is agent of the social change.

"Youth" refers to a life stage transitioning from childhood dependence to adult independence,
typically defined by a specific age range (often 15-24 years old according to the UN),
characterized by high energy, idealism, and potential for significant social change; this group
faces numerous challenges like unemployment, lack of access to education, and social inequalities,
but can leverage their unique position to actively drive positive transformations within their
communities through activism, innovation, and leadership
Key points about youth:

Definition: A period of transition between childhood and adulthood, marked by personal growth,
identity development, and exploration of life choices.

 Profile:
o Demographic: Typically defined by age range (varies by region), often including
students, recent graduates, and young professionals.
o Psychological: High levels of energy, optimism, willingness to take risks, and a
strong desire to make a difference.
o Social: Active engagement in peer groups, community activities, and emerging
trends.
 Categories of Youth
o By age: Early adolescence, late adolescence, young adulthood
o By socio-economic status: Low-income youth, middle-class youth, affluent youth
o By geographic location: Urban youth, rural youth
o By gender: Young women, young men
 Issues and Challenges Faced by Youth:
o Education and employment: Lack of access to quality education, high
unemployment rates, underemployment
o Health: Mental health issues, substance abuse, reproductive health concerns
o Social and political participation: Lack of political representation, limited civic
engagement opportunities
o Poverty and inequality: Economic disparities, limited access to basic needs
o Violence and conflict: Exposure to violence, gang activity
 Opportunities for Youth as Agents of Social Change:
o Community organizing and activism: Leading campaigns on social issues,
advocating for policy change
o Entrepreneurship and innovation: Developing social enterprises to address
community needs
o Volunteerism and community service: Contributing time and skills to local
initiatives
o Digital activism and social media campaigns: Utilizing online platforms to raise
awareness and mobilize action
o Leadership development: Participating in youth leadership programs, building
capacity to influence decision-making processes
Youth program/ schemes of GOI, coordination with different agencies and
maintenance of diary
The Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,
Government of India is nodal agency for framing the policies/programmes and rules/
regulations for the welfare of youths. In order to optimally tap constructive and creative
energies of the youth, the Department of Youth Affairs pursues the twin objectives of
personality - building and nation-building, that is, developing the personality of youth and
involving them in various nation-building activities. The Department has also recognized
"Adolescents" as an important segment of the Youth. Most of the issues concerning the
Youth are the functions of other Ministries/Departments, like Education, Employment &
Training, Health and Family Welfare etc. The role of the Department of Youth Affairs is to
act as a facilitator and catalytic agent.

Youth Policy Initiatives

There was no national youth policy in India till 1987. However, youth has always been the
concern of the Government of India. Various youth development programmes undertaken by
the Union Government after Independence, like National Cadet Corps (NCC), National
Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and the schemes for
financial assistance to NGOs engaged in youth development bear ample testimony to this fact.

National Youth Policy, 2003

The policy aims to ensure the effective pursuit of youth development programmes which
promote personality development and qualities of citizenship and enhanced commitment to
community service, social justice, self-reliance, national integration and humanism, an
exclusive of the entire universe as enshrined in our ancient scriptures.

The objectives of the National Youth Policy, 2003 were

i) To instill in the youth, at large, an abiding awareness of, and adherence to, the secular
principles and values in the Constitution of India, with commitment toPatriotism, National
Security, National Integration, Non-violence and Social Justice;

ii) To develop qualities of Citizenship and dedication to Community Service amongst all
sections of the youth;

iii) To promote awareness, amongst the youth, in the fields of Indian history and heritage,
arts and culture;

iv) To provide the youth with proper educational and training opportunities and to facilitate
access to information in respect of employment opportunities and to other services, including
entrepreneurial guidance and financial credit;

v) To facilitate access, for all sections of the youth, to health information and services and to
promote a social environment which strongly inhibits the use of drugs and other forms of
substance abuse, wards off disease (like HIV/AIDS), ensures measures for de-addiction and
mainstreaming of the affected persons and enhances the availability of sports and recreational
facilities as constructive outlets for the abundant energy of the youth; and

vi) To promote a major participatory role for the youth in the protection and preservation of
nature, including natural resources, to channelize their abundant energies in community
service so as to improve the environment.

National Youth Policy, 2014

Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is an integral part of the

government policy on "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" and its
commitment to overall human resource development to take advantage of the demographic
profile of our country's population in the coming years.
Details of Restructured Schemes, 2016-17

Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK)

The umbrella scheme ‘Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK)’ will now act as
the flagship programme of the Department for empowerment of the youth to enable them to
realize their potential and in the process, to contribute to the nationbuilding process.

Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), launched in 1972, is one of the largest youth
organizations in the world. NYKS has presence in 623 Districts through Nehru Yuva Kendras
(NYKs). The objective of the programme is to develop the personality and leadership
qualities of the youth and to engage them in nationbuilding activities. The areas of focus of
the NYKS activities include literacy and education, health and family welfare, sanitation and
cleanliness, environment conservation, awareness on social issues, women empowerment,
rural Development etc.

National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD) Scheme

5 major components, namely,

a) Youth Leadership and Personality Development Training;

b) Promotion of National Integration (National Integration Camps, Inter-State

Youth Exchange Programmes, Youth Festivals, multi-cultural activities, etc.)

c) Promotion of Adventure; Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards

d) Development and Empowerment of Adolescents (Life Skills Education,

Counselling, Career Guidance, etc.)

e) Technical and Resource Development (Research and Studies on Youth issues,

Documentation, Seminars/ Workshops)

National Young Leaders Programme (NYLP)’ was launched in December, 2014, with a
view to develop leadership qualities among the youth. The schemes aim at developing
leadership qualities among the youth to enable them to realize their full potential and in the
process, to contribute to the nation-building process.

Youth Hostels (YH) are built to promote youth travel and to enable the young people to
experience the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Assistance to Scouting and Guiding Organizations was launched in the early 1980's, to
promote the Scouts and Guides movement in the country.

National Service Scheme (NSS)

National Service Scheme (NSS) was introduced in 1969 with the primary objective of
developing the personality and character of the student youth through voluntary community
service. 'Education through Service' is the purpose of the NSS. The ideological orientation of
the NSS is inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. Very

appropriately, the motto of NSS is “NOT ME, BUT YOU”.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): The scheme launched on 15 July,
2015, on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of
Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojna (DDU-GKY): The scheme is a part of
the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) implemented by Ministry of Rural
Development, tasked with the dual objectives of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor
families and cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.

Make in India Programme: The Make in India initiative was launched on 25th September
2014 to create a conducive environment for investments. It is aimed at fostering innovation,
building world class infrastructure, and making India a hub for manufacturing, design, and
innovation. It was one of the first ‘Vocal for Local’initiatives that showcased India’s
manufacturing prowess to the world.
Community mobilization - Mapping of community stakeholders, designing
the message as per problems and their culture; identifying methods of
mobilization involving youth-adult partnership.

Community mobilization :

Your request outlines a community mobilization process focusing on stakeholder mapping,

culturally sensitive messaging, and intergenerational collaboration. Below is a detailed
breakdown of the process:

1. Community Mobilization

Community mobilization involves engaging and empowering community members to

identify their needs, develop solutions, and take collective action. The key steps include:

 Building trust: Establish rapport with community leaders, organizations, and

individuals.
 Assessing needs: Conduct participatory assessments (e.g., surveys, focus groups) to
identify community priorities.
 Encouraging participation: Involve diverse groups, including women, youth, elders,
and marginalized members.

2. Mapping Community Stakeholders

Mapping stakeholders helps identify key players who influence or are affected by community
issues.

 Identify stakeholders: List community leaders, NGOs, local government, schools,

businesses, and faith-based organizations.
 Analyze influence and interest: Use tools like a stakeholder matrix to categorize
based on their power and level of interest.
 Engage strategically: Develop specific strategies to involve stakeholders, from active
participants to advocates or supporters.
3. Designing the Message (Culturally Relevant Communication)

The messaging should align with the community's cultural norms and resonate with their
values.

 Understand the audience: Gather insights into cultural practices, language

preferences, and beliefs.
 Tailor content: Create messages that respect cultural sensitivities while addressing
the problem.
 Use storytelling: Embed local idioms, symbols, or narratives to make messages
relatable and memorable.
 Test messages: Pilot test with a small group to refine content for effectiveness and
appropriateness.

4. Identifying Methods of Mobilization

Choose methods that align with the community's dynamics and available resources:

 Workshops and forums: Organize participatory events to foster dialogue and action
planning.
 Door-to-door campaigns: Build personal connections by meeting community
members where they are.
 Social media and digital tools: Utilize platforms popular in the community to spread
information.
 Cultural events: Leverage festivals, markets, or community gatherings for outreach.
 Visual aids: Use posters, infographics, or videos that convey the message clearly and
engagingly.

5. Youth-Adult Partnership

Engaging youth alongside adults ensures sustained action and diverse perspectives.
  Define roles: Assign responsibilities based on strengths, skills, and interests.
 Mentorship: Encourage knowledge transfer between adults and youth, fostering
mutual learning.
 Joint activities: Plan projects like clean-ups, awareness drives, or campaigns
collaboratively.
 Empower youth: Provide leadership opportunities to build confidence and capacity.

Implementation Plan

1. Set clear goals and timelines.

2. Engage stakeholders through consistent communication.
3. Monitor and evaluate progress using community feedback.