CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 About NSS
The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, Ministry of
Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides opportunity to the student youth of 11th & 12th Class of schools at
+2 Board level and student youth of Technical Institution, Graduate & Post Graduate at colleges and
University level of India to take part in various government led community service activities & programs.
The sole aim of the NSS is to provide hands on experience to young students in delivering community
service. Since inception of the NSS in the year 1969, the number of students strength increased from
40,000 to over 3.8 million up to the end of March 2018 students in various universities, colleges and
Institutions of higher learning have volunteered to take part in various community service programs.
Fig 1.1 NSS logo
1.1.1 NSS Motto
The motto of National Service Scheme is not me but you.
1.1.2 Benefits of Being a NSS Volunteer
A NSS volunteer who takes part in the community service program would either be a college level or a
senior secondary level student. Being an active member, these student volunteers would have the
exposure and experience to be the following:
An accomplished social leader
An efficient administrator
A person who understands human nature
1.1.3 Major Activities
National Integration Camp (NIC)
The National Integration Camp (NIC) is organized every year and the duration of each camp is of 7 days
with day-night boarding & lodging. These camps are held in different parts of the country. Each camp
involves 200 NSS volunteers to undertake the scheduled activities. NSS helps the student to grow
individually and also as a group. Volunteering for various tasks under NSS activities allows students to
become confident, develop leadership skills, and learn about different people from different walks of life.
1.1.4 Types of Activities
There are two types of activities: Regular Activities (120 hours) and Annual Special Camp (120 hours).
All the NSS Volunteers who have served NSS for at least 2 years and have performed 240 hours of work
under NSS are entitled to a certificate from the university under the signature of the Vice-Chancellor and
the Program Coordinator. The Annual camps are known as Special Camps. Camps are held annually,
funded by the government of India, and are usually located in a rural village or a city suburb. Volunteers
may be involved in such activities as:
1. Cleaning
2. Afforestation
3. Stage shows or a procession creating awareness of issues such as social problems, education and
cleanliness
4. Awareness Rallies
5. Inviting doctors for health camps
6. Community Survey
There are no predefined or preassigned tasks; it is left up to the volunteers to provide service in any way
that is feasible. Camps typically last between a week and 10 days, although camps for shorter periods are
also conducted by NSS.
1.1.5 NSS Awards
To recognize the voluntary service rendered by NSS volunteers, Program Officers (PO's), NSS Units and
the University NSS Cells, it has been proposed to provide suitable incentives/ awards under the scheme.
Awards include:
NSS National Award State Level awards
University Level awards
District level awards
College level awards
This award for the appreciable work of the volunteer in the College level camp. and overall performance
of the student in the given year.
1.1.6 Objectives
a. To understand the community in which the NSS volunteers work and to understand themselves in
relation to their community.
b. To identify the needs and problems of the community and involve themselves in problem-solving
exercise.
c. To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
d. To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solutions to individual and community problems.
e. To gain skills in mobilizing community participation.
f. To acquire leadership qualities and democratic values.
g. To develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters; and h. To practice national integration
and social harmony.
1.2 List of NSS Activities prescribed
1 . Awareness Campaigns
Organize rallies, street plays (nukkad natak), and poster exhibitions on water conservation.
Conduct door-to-door awareness drives in rural and urban areas.
Distribute pamphlets and create social media content on water-saving tips.
2 . Rainwater Harvesting
Survey local buildings to assess feasibility for rainwater harvesting.
Assist in the construction of rainwater harvesting pits in schools, colleges, and villages.
Promote traditional water harvesting systems.
3 . Water Audit
Conduct water audits in NSS-adopted villages or institutional campuses.
Educate people on methods to reduce water wastage.
4 . Cleaning and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies
Clean local ponds, lakes, rivers, and wells.
Remove plastic and waste materials from water bodies.
Organize desilting drives in collaboration with local bodies.
5. Tree Plantation Drives
Plant trees near water bodies to reduce evaporation.
Educate people on how tree cover helps in water table recharge.
6 . “Jal Shakti Abhiyan” Participation
Actively participate in government campaigns like Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Catch the Rain.
Host lectures or webinars with experts on water conservation.
7 . Survey and Research Activities
Conduct surveys on the status of water sources in adopted areas.
Prepare reports and submit them to local authorities or NSS coordinators.
8 . Construction and Maintenance
Build check dams or small bunds in collaboration with NGOs or local Panchayats.
Repair leaking taps, pipes, or other water systems in villages or schools.
9 . Workshops and Training
Organize workshops on low-cost water-saving techniques.
Train volunteers on water testing and purification methods.
10 . Collaboration with Local Bodies
Work with Panchayats and urban local bodies to support water conservation programs.
Advocate for the inclusion of water-saving measures in local development plans.
