N.S.S. - 

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is an Indian government- sponsored flagship for public service program conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs  and Sports of the Government of India. Popularly known as NSS, the scheme was launched in Gandhiji's Centenary year in 1969. Aimed at developing student's personality through community service, NSS is a voluntary association of young people in Colleges, Universities and at +2 level working for a campus-community (esp. Villages) linkage.

Aim -

The programme aims to instilling the idea of social welfare in students, and to provide service to society without bias. NSS volunteers work to ensure that everyone who is needy gets help to enhance their standard of living and lead a life of dignity. In doing so, volunteers learn from people in villages how to lead a good life despite a scarcity of resources. it also provides help in natural and man-made disasters by providing food, clothing and first aid to the disaster's victims.

Organization -

At national level, of India is the nodal authority, which works with state-level NSS cells. State-level NSS cells have responsibility of the respective state governments. Within states, each university has University level NSS cell under which institutions (schools and colleges) based NSS units operate. Most government and government-aided institutions have volunteer NSS units. Institutions are encouraged to have NSS volunteers. A unit typically comprises 20–40 students (it can be more base on the capacity of institution). They are managed internally by a responsible party from the school or college, who reports to the regional NSS coordinator. Most institutions do not have a separate uniform for NSS volunteers as one of the great and dedicated toward welfare of India Captain.

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 Programme 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 such issues 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.

Themes of the programme -

In the past the themes of the Special Camping Programmes have been 'Youth Against Famine', 'Youth Against Dirt and Disease', 'Youth for Rural Reconstruction', 'Youth for Eco-Development', 'Youth for Mass Literacy', l Harmony', 'Youth for Sustainable Development with special focus on Watershed Management and Wasteland Development',`Healthy Youth For Healthy India`

Other initiatives -

In some institutions and colleges volunteers are involved in regular blood donation and traffic control (regulating queues in temples and preventing stampedes at functions). National conferences are held regularly to conduct white-paper and project presentations.

NSS resembles the Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and other programmes developed for national welfare.

NSS Awards -

To recognize the voluntary service rendered by NSS volunteers, Programme 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.

NSS Manual -

1. Orientation of students in national problems.Study of philosophy of NSS.
2. Basic concepts and components of NSS.
3. National service scheme ( NSS) volunteers.
4. Special camping programme.
5. Fundamental rights, Directive principles of state policy.
6. Awareness programme, Consumer awareness, Highlights of consumer act.
7. Function literacy non formal education of rural youth.
8. Environment enrichment and conservation.
9. Health, family welfare and nutrition.