Guwahati, Oct 15 (JKNS): Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on Thursday called for coordinated efforts to expand the National Cadet Corps (NCC) from its present strength of around 17 lakh cadets to 20 lakh, emphasising improved infrastructure, better training facilities and greater youth participation during a special conference in Guwahati, Assam.
Seth attended the Special Joint State Representatives and Additional Director General’s Conference 2026, organised by the NCC on October 15, to deliberate on expanding and strengthening the organisation across the northeastern states, West Bengal and Sikkim.
Addressing the conference, Seth appreciated the participation of cadets from northeastern states in the Republic Day Camp and the increasing enrolment of girl cadets, describing it as a reflection of the NCC’s contribution to women’s empowerment.
He stressed the need to motivate and guide young people to embrace the spirit of ‘Nation First’ and called upon all nine participating states to formulate and implement practical plans for NCC expansion, with particular emphasis on strengthening infrastructure and improving training facilities.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the NCC as a movement that empowers India’s youth by making them confident, disciplined and dedicated to the nation, Seth stressed the importance of effective training, adequate institutional support and better coordination among stakeholders.
The conference provided a platform for strengthening coordination between the NCC and state governments, with discussions focusing on expanding coverage, cadet welfare, training infrastructure, institutional strengthening and addressing administrative challenges.
Participants also discussed the NCC’s role in social service, community development, character-building, leadership, national integration and fostering a spirit of service among young people.
The North Eastern Region NCC Directorate covers Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura through nine Group Headquarters and 50 units. The NCC operates in 1,645 educational institutions across the region, with approximately 1.25 lakh cadets.
The West Bengal and Sikkim NCC Directorate operates through six Group Headquarters and 56 units, with NCC activities extending to 1,326 educational institutions and approximately 1.25 lakh cadets.
The conference was led by NCC Director General Lt Gen Virendra Vats and attended by Additional Secretary Dipti Mohil Chawla, ministers and senior officials from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal and Sikkim, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and NCC. (JKNS)
