Bhopal, MP: In a major development for youth and national service, Minister of State for Defence Mr Sanjay Seth inaugurated the Special Joint State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General (JS R&A/D) Conference of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Bhopal on June 03, 2025. During the conference, he announced the expansion of NCC by 3 lakh cadets across the country – marking one of the most ambitious growth plans in the organization’s history.
Several state governments have already expressed their concurrence, committing to expedite the required training infrastructure and personnel support.
Empowering Youth Through Discipline and Service
In his keynote address, Mr Seth reaffirmed the NCC’s foundational role in nation-building, character formation, and youth development. He emphasized that the corps is not only a premier youth organization but also a strategic national asset.
Highlighting key reforms, he pointed to the inclusion of Ex-Servicemen as NCC instructors, which provides valuable employment opportunities for veterans while enhancing cadet training with firsthand military experience.
The Minister lauded NCC’s enthusiastic participation in key national missions such as-
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- Nasha Mukti Abhiyan
- Naya Savera Scheme
He also congratulated the NCC Mount Everest Expedition Team for their successful summit on May 18, 2025, calling it a “powerful symbol of courage, endurance, and cadet excellence.”
Youth for National Service
Mr. Seth said, “Today, the Special United States Representative of the NCC, along with the Additional Director General and Deputy Director General, addressed the conference at the Kushabhau Thackeray International Conference Center in Bhopal. Representatives from across the country were urged to ensure that all states cooperate on the proposal to increase the number of NCC cadets from 1.7 million to 2 million.
NCC cadets are always at the forefront in every situation the country faces. Their discipline, dedication, and commitment to nation-building are truly commendable. The NCC serves as a major platform for youth to contribute to the nation. The proposal to increase the number of cadets is beneficial for every state, as it will provide more opportunities for young people to participate in national service.
The spirit and enthusiasm that the NCC instills in the youth has created a strong force of young individuals devoted to the country. In addition to ministers from Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, officials from various state governments and the NCC were also present at the conference.”
Call for Unified National Support
Urging for robust Centre-State cooperation, Mr Seth appealed to states to honour their commitments to manpower, funding, and infrastructure development. He stressed that the envisioned expansion will only be successful through joint execution, thereby ensuring every corner of the nation benefits from the NCC’s training ethos.
NCC’s Roadmap for a New Era
Addressing the gathering, Director General NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh provided an overview of the NCC’s accomplishments and shared a vision for the future. He outlined plans for:
- Strengthening training infrastructure
- Enhancing camping facilities
- Promoting inclusive participation
- Improving cadet performance and outreach
The conference was attended by key dignitaries, including Ministers of Education and Youth Affairs & Sports, senior Defence Ministry officials, representatives from various state departments, and NCC leaders from across India.
आज कुशाभाऊ ठाकरे अंतरराष्ट्रीय सम्मेलन केंद्र, भोपाल में @HQ_DG_NCC के विशेष संयुक्त राज्य प्रतिनिधि तथा Addl. DG एवं Dy. DG सम्मेलन को संबोधित किया। देशभर के प्रतिनिधियों से अनुरोध किया कि एनसीसी कैडेट्स की संख्या 17 लाख से बढ़ाकर 20 लाख करने के प्रस्ताव पर सभी राज्य सहयोग करें। pic.twitter.com/Ru3NpX9sKY
— Sanjay Seth (@SethSanjayMP) June 3, 2025
About NCC
The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces, a tri-services organization comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It’s a voluntary organization open to school and college students, aiming to develop character, comradeship, and patriotism among young citizens. NCC is the largest uniformed youth organization in the world, with its headquarters in New Delhi, India.
भोपाल प्रवास के क्रम में आज सुदर्शन चक्र कोर के वीर जवानों द्वारा Guard of Honour दिया गया। इस दौरान जवानों से मुलाकात किया। उनसे संवाद का अवसर मिला। राष्ट्र के प्रति इनकी कर्त्तव्यपरायणता और समर्पण अनुकरणीय है। सुदर्शन चक्र कोर सम्पूर्ण राष्ट्र का गौरव है।
— Sanjay Seth (@SethSanjayMP) June 3, 2025
जय हिंद 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Lty3EE7wM2
