NCC to redefine training philosophy

New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) The National Cadet Corps (NCC) will soon redefine its training philosophy to equip its cadets with the skills needed to face challenges of the new millennium.

To thrash out concepts relating to cadet training, the NCC is organising a day-long seminar here Thursday, according to the defence ministry.

Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal and Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju will take part.

'The aim is to discuss the skills that NCC cadets need to imbibe in the new millennium and identify the methodology to be adopted by the trainers to impart critical lessons,' a statement said.

The seminar is a sequel to the ongoing exercise within the NCC to refine the training philosophy to make it more contemporary and relevant.

'Changing education system in the country and growing pressure on students to achieve academic excellence have further emphasised the need to realign the training curriculum,' an official said.

Experts in youth training will present papers on various topics including futuristic leadership model, the NCC as an instrument of youth development for nation-building and training of trainers.

The NCC, which provides military training to school and college students across the country, has about 15 lakh cadets.

Once cadets complete three years of training, they become eligible to join the armed forces and their NCC certificates are given weightage during selection board exams and tests.

The government has also reserved a few seats in the armed forces training academies such as the Officers Training Academy, the Indian Military Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Indian Naval Academy for NCC cadets.