In a bid to reaffirm NCC’s critical role in reshaping youth development and nation-building, Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Sanjay Seth, addressing the Special Joint State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General (JS R&A/D) Conference of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Bhopal on June 03, 2025, announced the planned expansion of NCC by Three lakh cadets across the country. This landmark move, poised to reshape youth engagement in national defense preparedness, has already garnered approval from several states, which are extending their concurrence and committing to fast-track the necessary training infrastructure.
Such a significant expansion aims to deepen the NCC’s grassroots presence while fortifying its contribution to nation-building. The Raksha Mantri also promised to oversee the entire process of establishing additional training infrastructure and fast-tracking the required training resources to meet the unprecedented scale of the expansion. Just a few months ago, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi commended NCC for its selfless efforts in the service and national building when he visited the NCC Republic Day Parade Camp at Delhi Cantt. The continued support from top military brass and defense experts has paved the way for this expansion.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Commends NCC On Strengthening Youth Development
Addressing the personnel and senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and state education departments, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth emphasized the strategic role of NCC in shaping disciplined citizens. The Raksha Rajya Mantri also reiterated the NCC’s mission—developing character and leadership qualities among youth, and serving as a critical bridge between civilian society and the military.
He further went on to commend the recent policy initiative to engage Ex-Servicemen as NCC instructors, opening a new avenue of post-retirement employment for Armed Forces veterans. This measure is not only a tribute to their service but also a practical step toward leveraging their experience to mentor cadets across the country.
NCC’s Expanding Role in National Campaigns
The Raksha Rajya Mantri also highlighted the NCC’s active participation in civic initiatives. These include major campaigns such as:
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aimed at promoting cleanliness and hygiene,
- Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, focused on substance abuse prevention,
- and the Naya Savera Scheme, which supports skill development and education for underprivileged communities.
According to the Raksha Rajya Mantri, these contributions exemplify the NCC’s versatility and alignment with India’s broader nation-building objectives. This also highlights the fact that the Corps has evolved beyond its traditional role, becoming a vital instrument in fostering youth participation in national transformation.
NCC’s Successful Everest Expedition
Recently, an NCC-led expedition was successful in scaling the world’s highest peak. The ten-member cadet team consisted of novice climbers who were rigorously trained and meticulously selected through a stringent national selection process. It was composed of an equal number of girl and boy cadets, with an average age of 19 years, when the youngest cadet was only 16 years old.
Nodding to this historic feat, Shri Seth commended the resolve shown by the NCC cadets, describing it as a “living embodiment of courage, discipline, and endurance,” underscoring the extreme physical and psychological rigors that NCC cadets are trained to overcome. Such missions not only enhance the Corps’ visibility but also set benchmarks for youth ambition, resilience, and capability. The successful summit serves as a global statement of India’s robust youth defense training ecosystem.
Center-State Collaboration: Infrastructure, Manpower & Financial Commitment
The Raksha Rajya Mantri called for an extensive Center-State collaboration to actualize the planned expansion. He urged state governments to expedite the provisioning of essential resources—especially training centers, instructors, and logistical support—to ensure seamless integration of the new cadets into existing battalions.
Given the NCC’s decentralized operational model, state-level commitment remains pivotal. Shri Seth stressed that the envisioned expansion must be executed with precision and timeliness to maintain the Corps’ high standards of discipline and effectiveness.
