Our NSS Unit Profile
The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit entitled "National Service Scheme: राष्ट्रीय सेवा योजना" of RPS Degree College, Balana, Mahendergarh (Haryana) was started in February, 2014 to identify the needs and problems of the social and civic community and involve them in individual as well as community problems solving processes.
The overall aim of the 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 institutions. The reason for the formulation of this objective is the general realization that 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 the 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.
Core Objectives of NSS
- Understand the community in which they work.
- Understand themselves in relation to their community.
- Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem-solving process.
- Develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
- Utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems.
- Develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities.
- Gain skills in mobilizing community participation.
- Acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude.
- Develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters.
- Practice national integration and social harmony.
NSS Identity & Ideals
The Motto
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.
NSS Symbol
The symbol of the National Service Scheme is based on the 'Rath' wheel of the Konark Sun Temple (The Black Pagoda) situated in Odisha (formerly Orissa), India. These giant wheels portray the cycle of creation, preservation and release, and signify the movement in life across time and space. The wheel stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social change and upliftment.
NSS Badge
The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge which volunteers wear during community service. The Konark wheel in the symbol has eight bars representing 24 hours of the day, reminding the wearer to be in readiness for service round-the-clock.
Navy Blue: Indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of mankind.
Red: Indicates that the volunteers are full of blood i.e. lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit.
NSS Day & Theme Song
NSS was formally launched on 24th September, 1969, the birth centenary year of the Father of the Nation. Therefore, 24th September is celebrated every year as NSS Day with appropriate programmes and activities. During the Silver Jubilee Year, the NSS theme song was composed, which all volunteers are expected to learn.
Special Camping Programme
Special Camping forms an integral part of National Service Scheme. It has special appeal to the youth as it provides unique opportunities to the students for group living, collective experience sharing and constant interaction with community. Special campings are organised generally on various developmental issues of national importance. The current theme of Special Camp is 'Youth for Sustainable Development with special focus on Watershed Management and Wasteland Development'. Every year 50 percent of the volunteers of each NSS unit are expected to participate in special camps which is of ten days duration.
Objectives of Special Camping
- Making education more relevant to the present situation to meet the felt needs of the communities.
- To provide opportunities to students to play their due roles in the implementation of various development programmes by planning and executing development projects.
- Encouraging the students and non-students youth to work along with the adults in rural areas.
- Building up potential youth leaders by exploring the latent potential among the campers.
- Emphasizing the dignity of labour and self-help and the need for combining physical work with intellectual pursuits.
Education and Recreations
Activities in this field include:
- Adult education and pre-school education programmes.
- Programmes of continuing education of school drop outs and remedial coaching.
- Work in crèches and participatory cultural/recreation programmes for the community.
- Organisation of youth clubs and rural indigenous sports in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendras.
- Programmes including discussions on eradications of social evils like communalism, casteism, regionalism, untouchability, drug abuse etc.
Suggestive Model Schedule for Camp
| S.No. |
Activity |
Timings |
| 1 |
Waking Up |
0500 Hrs. |
| 2 |
Morning Assembly and Physical Exercises |
0600 Hrs. to 0630 Hrs. |
| 3 |
Break Fast and Collection of tools etc. |
0630 Hrs. to 0715 Hrs. |
| 4 |
Project work |
0730 Hrs. to 1230 Hrs. |
| 5 |
Personal Hygiene |
1230 Hrs. to 1300 Hrs. |
| 6 |
Lunch |
1300 Hrs. to 1400 Hrs. |
| 7 |
Rest |
1400 Hrs. to 1500 Hrs. |
| 8 |
Talks by eminent visitors followed by discussion |
1500 Hrs. to 1700 Hrs. |
| 9 |
Community visit |
1700 Hrs. to 1930 Hrs. |
| 10 |
Recreation and socio-cultural programme |
1930 Hrs. to 2000 Hrs. |
| 11 |
Dinner |
2000 Hrs. to 2100 Hrs. |
| 12 |
Review of Day's Work |
2100 Hrs. to 2130 Hrs. |
| 13 |
Light Off |
2200 Hrs. |
Functions of the Programme Coordinator
- To assist and guide the NSS units for implementation of NSS Programmes at +2 level.
- To help in organising camps, training and orientation programmes for the NSS group leaders and Programme Officers.
- To visit the NSS Units for monitoring and evaluation.
- To ensure implementation of NSS Regular Activities and Special Camping Programme.
- To ensure timely release of grants.
- To submit reports and returns to Programme Adviser, Regional Centre and State Liaison Cell.
- To select new Programme Officers as per guidelines and ensure their orientation within the stipulated period.
- To submit half yearly reports and other information required to Government of India, Regional Centre, State Liaison Officer and TOC from time to time.
- To liaise with Regional Centre, State Liaison Officer and TOC/TORC for implementation of NSS Programme.
- To bring out the publication and reports throwing light on the achievements.