Why in News?

• The President of India presented the National Service Scheme Awards at New Delhi on 24th September.

National Service Scheme:

• The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
• It gives opportunities to school students of classes XI and XII, and university/college students to take part in various government led community service activities and programmes.
• The chief Objective of the NSS is to offer students and young people a first-hand experience in delivering service to the community.
• It was started in the year 1969. Currently, there are 3.8 million student volunteers in this scheme. Motto of NSS: “Not Me But You”
• All volunteers wear the NSS badge which is a symbol of pride and honour for them. The badge signifies that they are ready for service round the clock.
• The benefits that students get from being a part of this scheme are:
  • They can get skills to become accomplished social leaders in the future
  • They get experience which will help them become efficient administrators
  • It will help them understand human nature better
  • It will also help them understand the rich cultural diversity of India
  • It will help them have national pride through a better knowledge of the country
  • NSS organises camps, parades, youth festivals, etc. as part of its activities.