NCC Reports 40% Girl Cadets; Plans Phase-Wise Expansion and Parade Participation

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) has seen an increase in the number of girl cadets, now making up 40% of its members. Plans are underway to expand the Corps in phases over the coming years, according to senior officials. Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, NCC Director General, discussed these developments during a press briefing about the ongoing NCC Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantonment.

A total of 2,361 cadets from across India are participating in this month-long camp, which started on December 30. This year, 917 girl cadets are attending, marking the highest participation yet. Among these cadets, 114 hail from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, while 178 come from the northeast region. The camp also includes nearly 135 cadets from 18 friendly countries as part of a Youth Exchange Programme.

Expansion Plans and Cadet Strength

The sanctioned strength for the NCC is 20 lakh, with the current strength at 17 lakh. The DG mentioned that they plan to increase this by an additional three lakh across India. To support this growth, ex-servicemen will be hired for training purposes. The expansion has already begun in Jammu and Kashmir with four new battalions raised last year.

The DG highlighted that the strength of girl cadets has significantly increased over the past decade. He noted that four bands have been shortlisted nationwide to participate in the NCC Republic Day Camp. These bands come from Birla Balika Vidyapeeth in Rajasthan, Scindia School in Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh, Mizo High School in the Northeast Region, and Newman College in Kerala & Lakshadweep.

Band Selection and Parade Participation

Two out of these four bands will be chosen to perform in the Republic Day Parade. Among them, one will be an all-girl band. Bands from Birla Balika Vidyapeeth and Newman College are all-girl bands, while Mizo High School has a mixed band and Scindia School features an all-boy band.

The Republic Day Camp provides cadets with opportunities to train, engage in cultural activities, and participate in social service initiatives. During the briefing, Lt Gen Singh addressed questions about a food poisoning incident involving several cadets in Kerala late December 2024.

Ensuring the safety of cadets and staff is paramount. All affected cadets have recovered well after treatment for minor dehydration. Authorities are working with state police to hold those responsible accountable. Measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in future based on preliminary reports received.

Training Updates and Future Initiatives

Lt Gen Singh announced that a new training syllabus will be introduced next year as per changing requirements. The NCC is also exposing cadets to start-ups and providing basic drone training, which will be expanded next year.

Regarding the role of NCC cadets at the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, he stated that cadets are eager to volunteer and assist with crowd management during the event. During his presentation, Lt Gen Singh shared slides showcasing the Corps' journey over the past year.

One slide highlighted mountaineering expeditions undertaken by NCC cadets, including climbs to Mt Kang Yatse II (6,250m) by a team of 24 cadets and Mt Abi Gamin (7,335m) by a team of 34 cadets. An expedition to Mt Everest is planned for April-June this year.