Gandhinagar: Aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for NCC cadets irrespective of the type of educational institution they attend, the Gujarat govt on Tuesday announced that camp allowance for NCC cadets will be extended to private schools and colleges.Until now, NCC cadets from govt and grant-in-aid schools and colleges were eligible for camp allowances as per norms prescribed by the Centre, while those from private institutions received no such financial assistance from either the state or central govt. The state govt will now bear 100% of the camp-related expenditure for private-institution cadets.The decision, taken by the education department is expected to remove a financial hurdle that had deterred some meritorious private-school and college cadets from participating in national-level NCC camps.The move covers major national-level NCC camps and events, including the Republic Day Contingent (RDC), Thal Sainik Camp (TSC), Youth Exchange Programme (YEP), Vayu Sainik Camp (VSC), Naval Sainik Camp (NSC) and national-level events.The govt said the decision was taken after it came to its notice that financial constraints could prevent talented cadets from private institutions from pursuing opportunities at the national level.NCC plays an important role in developing discipline, leadership, responsibility and a spirit of national service among young people. The govt expects the move to encourage more Gujarat cadets to participate in national-level camps and showcase their abilities on a wider platform.
