National Cadet Corps (NCC) will be introduced as an elective subject in Rama Devi Women’s College in the current academic session.
The Department of Higher Education (DHE) has decided to begin the subject in the college with 32 seats. The subject is to be introduced at Plus III level. It would carry 200 marks and will be taught for two semesters.
DHE sources said the aim of offering NCC as an elective is not only to instil a spirit of patriotism among the students but also build character and moral values which are relevant in society today. The long-awaited move that has the stamp of the Ministry of Defence will enable students to join NCC without having to spare extra time. Hitherto, NCC was an extra-curricular activity that did not figure in the curricula of institutions.
Given the increasing pressure to perform well in academics, few students have been opting for NCC which is otherwise a proven instrument to prepare students for a career in the armed forces and train them for civil and self-defence.
Last year, the UGC had selected 38 autonomous colleges in the country for the pilot project. In Odisha, the selected colleges are Rama Devi Women’s College, Vikram Dev College, Jeypore and Khariar College in Nuapada. The State Government also approved these three colleges under urban, semi-urban and rural area categories. Autonomous colleges were chosen for the job because under UGC guidelines, they can introduce their own courses and syllabi.
Principal of Rama Devi Women’s College Chitrangada Samanta Singhar said while military training would continue to be an important part, emphasis would be given to overall personality development.
While Government is yet to give a final nod to Khariar College to begin the subject, Vikram Dev College authorities said they would not be able to start the course from this academic session.
Vikram Dev College authorities said starting the elective this year would require revision of their Board of Studies which has already been done three years back. The next revision is due in 2014.
As per the present Board of Studies, each elective carries 300 marks, but as per UGC guidelines the NCC elective should be 200 marks. As a lot many changes are required to start the course, it looks unlikely at the moment, said Principal of Vikram Dev College C Savitri.