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About · Administrative Structure

Administrative Structure

A youth programme like NSS requires administrative structures at multiple levels for successful planning and implementation. Organisational structures have been envisaged at the Central, State, University/+2 and College levels.

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National Level

Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, New Delhi and NSS Regional Centres

(a) The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in the Ministry of Human Resource Development is the nodal department for NSS and has been given the administrative responsibility for the policy planning, implementation and evaluation of the NSS programme.

(b) National Service Scheme falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, which is looked after by a Senior Officer of the rank of Joint Secretary as far as administration and implementation of the programme is concerned.

Programme Adviser

In the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports a Senior Officer is designated as Programme Adviser. The functions of the Programme Adviser and head of the NSS organisation are as under:

  • To advise the Department for the development of the NSS Programme in all respects.
  • To help the Department to plan and implement NSS programmes.
  • To liaise with the State Governments, Universities and other organisations which may help in the growth and development of the programme directly or indirectly.
  • To make arrangements for training of key persons and Programme Officers through the TOCs and TORCs.
  • To make arrangements for the evaluation of NSS from time to time by TORCs or other suitable agencies.
  • To encourage research and publication work in connection with NSS.
  • To oversee the maintenance of State-wise, University-wise records on implementation of the programme.
  • To supervise the functioning of NSS Regional Centres set up by the Department in various regions/States in the country.

Programme Adviser's Cell

The Department has set up the Programme Adviser's Cell to assist the Programme Adviser in implementing, monitoring and evaluating the NSS Programme at various levels. The Programme Adviser's Cell is headed by a Deputy Programme Adviser and a core support staff. The cell also functions as a programme monitoring centre for the collection and compilation of data from the states, Universities and NSS Regional Centres, and provides this information to the Department as feedback. Thus, the PA Cell for all practical purposes functions as the NSS Headquarters.

NSS Regional Centres

(a) The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports has set up 15 NSS Regional Centres in the country to maintain liaison with the State Governments, Universities, +2 Councils and TOC/TORCs for the effective implementation of the NSS Programme.

(b) An NSS Regional Centre (RC) is a subordinate field office of the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports. Depending upon volunteer strength and size of the state, an RC is headed by either a Deputy Programme Adviser or an Assistant Programme Adviser, both of whom belong to Group-A grade of the Central Government Service.

(c) The Deputy/Assistant Programme Adviser who heads the Regional Centre is provided a core staff for support.

State Level

Since National Service Scheme is jointly sponsored by the Government of India and the State Government, active participation of the State Government is essential for the proper growth and development of the NSS Programme. To achieve this aim, an administrative structure is envisaged at the state level, consisting of the State Liaison Cell and the State Advisory Committee.

State NSS Cell

At the State level there is a State NSS Cell headed by the State Liaison Officer (SLO). The Government of India extends 100% financial assistance for establishing the State NSS Cell.

Functions of the State NSS Cell

  • Ensure that budgetary provisions are made for the NSS programme in the State budget.
  • Timely allocation of NSS strength to respective Universities in the State.
  • Timely release of grants to Universities and colleges/+2 councils.
  • Submission of accounts, statements and programme reports to the Government of India.
  • Convening of meetings of the State NSS Advisory Committee from time to time.
  • Monitoring of the programme through Universities/+2 councils in consultation with the NSS Regional Centre.
  • Coordinating with development agencies and departments for NSS programme development in the state.

State Liaison Officer

The State Liaison Officer is the head of the State NSS Cell, set up in the State Secretariat. The SLO looks after the functions of the cell and ensures that all matters are expedited and follow-up action is taken at appropriate levels in the State for the effective implementation of NSS.

University Level

The National Service Scheme covers students at the level of higher education. Thus, the administrative structures of higher education have the responsibility of looking after NSS and its implementation at the college/school/university level. The successful functioning of the NSS cell at the University level gives impetus for proper implementation of NSS at the unit level.

NSS University Cell

  • Every University should have an NSS Cell to supervise and coordinate the NSS Programme in colleges affiliated to it.
  • Universities with strength of more than 10,000 NSS volunteers should have full-time programme coordinators. Those with less than 10,000 may have part-time programme coordinators.
  • NSS being an academic extension programme, the University will provide necessary infrastructure and other facilities like telephone, office and office equipment, and secretarial assistance for the smooth functioning of the cell.
  • The cell functions under the Vice-Chancellor; the Programme Coordinator, NSS, is in-charge of the cell and the main executive functionary.

Programme Coordinator

The Programme Coordinator is the key functionary as far as NSS is concerned. A dedicated and devoted Programme Coordinator can plan, execute and evaluate NSS activities in proper perspective. The Programme Coordinator executes all administrative and policy directives of the government and the decisions of the State Advisory Committee and University Advisory Committee. The NSS programme is prepared in light of the guidelines issued by the Government of India.

Functions of the Programme Coordinator

  • Assist and guide the NSS unit for implementation of NSS programmes at college level.
  • Help in organising camps, training and orientation programmes for NSS leaders.
  • Visit NSS units for monitoring and evaluation.
  • Ensure implementation of NSS regular activities and special camping programmes.
  • Ensure timely release of grants to colleges.
  • Submit reports and returns to the Programme Adviser, Regional Centre, State Liaison Officer and TOC/TORC.
  • Ensure selection of new Programme Officers as per guidelines and ensure their orientation within the stipulated period.
  • Submit half-yearly reports and other information required to the Government of India, Regional Centre and State Liaison Officer in the prescribed format.
  • Liaise with the Regional Centre, State Liaison Officer and TOC/TORC for implementation of the NSS programme.
  • Bring out documents and reports on the achievements of NSS.

NSS Advisory Committees

The NSS programme is based on the principles of participative action, self-reliant and self-disciplined way of life. Advisory Committees provide a machinery for associating more people with the NSS programme, sharing their experiences and wisdom. They aim at institutionalising the NSS programme at various levels, and offer platforms for discussion and evaluation by functionaries associated with NSS, experts in allied fields and eminent persons in the field of social and public service. NSS Programme has envisaged Advisory Committees at State, University, College and +2 levels to ensure participation of people at all stages.

State Advisory Committee

The State Governments are expected to constitute the State NSS Advisory Committee in their respective States. The Committee considers:

  • All important matters relating to the development of the NSS programme in the state.
  • Allocation of NSS volunteer strength to Universities and +2 councils.
  • Approval of the NSS budget for the State/UT.
  • Selection of colleges and +2 schools for covering the NSS programme.
  • Securing assistance and coordination of different development departments and government and non-government agencies.
  • Allocation of grants to Universities and +2 councils.
  • Coordination, review and evaluation of the programme at State level.

University Advisory Committee

Each University has to set up an NSS Advisory Committee to advise on programme planning and development under the Chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor. It reviews the NSS activities in the area of the University and ensures allocation of NSS student strength and release of grants to its colleges. The NSS Advisory Committee at University Level is the apex body as far as implementation of NSS at the University Level is concerned.