National Service Scheme Manual (2006) PDF

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME MANUAL (REVISED) 2006 Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports New Delhi  I N D E X PART-I INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME...

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME MANUAL (REVISED) 2006 Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports New Delhi  I N D E X PART-I INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME 1-8 Chapter 1 Philosophy of National Service Scheme 01 Chapter 2 NSS – Basic Concepts 07 PART-II NSS PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES 9-18 Chapter 1 Basic Concepts and Components 09 Chapter 2 NSS Programmes and Activities 13 PART-III SPECIAL CAMPING PROGRAMME 19-40 Chapter 1 Special Camping Programme 19 Chapter 2 Planning and Preparation of Special Camping Programme 25 Chapter 3 Financial Pattern of Expenditure for Special Camping Programme 39 PART-IV ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE 41-66 Chapter 1 Administrative Structure at National Level 42 Chapter 2 Administrative Structure at State Level 46 Chapter 3 Administrative Structure at University Level 52 Chapter 4 Administrative Structure at +2 Level 55 Chapter 5 NSS Advisory Committees 60 PART-V PLANNING OF PROGRAMMES/ACTIVITIES 67-83 Chapter 1 Planning at State Level 67 Chapter 2 Planning at University Level 69 Chapter 3 Planning at Institution Level 73 Chapter 4 Planning of NSS Programmes 75 PART-VI IMPLEMENTATION OF NSS PROGRAMMES 84-107 Chapter 1 NSS at Institution Level – Organisation and 84 Administration of NSS Unit Chapter 2 Programme Officer – Appointment, Duties and Functions 89 Chapter 3 National Service Scheme Volunteers 95 Chapter 4 Implementation &Administrative Support to NSS Programme 98 At State, University and +2 Council Level PART-VII TRAINING, ORIENTATION, RESEARCHAND 107-129 EVALUATION Chapter 1 Training and Orientation Centres 107 Chapter 2 Training of Programme Officers and Key Personnel 112 Chapter 3 Research, Evaluation and Publication 122 PART-VIII FINANCES AND ACCOUNTS 130-141 Chapter 1 Pattern of Financial Expenditure 130 Chapter 2 Pattern of Financial Expenditure 132 (University and +2 Council Level) Chapter 3 Pattern of Financial Expenditure at College 136 Level/School at +2 Level Chapter 4 Maintenance of Accounts 139 ANNEXURES 142-171 01. List of National/International Days/Weeks 142 02. List of NSS Regional Centres 143 03. Proforma for Quarterly Report to be submitted by the 144-146 State Liaison Cells 04. Observance of NSS Day – Change 147 05. Instruction regarding utilization of interest accrued 148 from Saving Bank Account 06. Out-of-Pocket Allowance – Exemption of Income Tax 149 07. Indira Gandhi NSS Award 150-152 08. A specimen of Work Diary 153-158 09. A specimen of NSS Certificate 159 10. Proforma for Half Yearly Report to be submitted by 160-164 Universities/+2 Counc ils 11. Proforma for Half Year Report to be submitted by 165-167 TORCS/TOCs 12. Revision of Administrative Expenditure at University 168 level 13. Vehicle and equipment purchased out of NSS funds 169-170 14. Purchase of audio-visual equipments out of NSS funds 171  PART-I INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME Chapter 1 : PHILOSOPHY OF NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME History and Growth of NSS: 1. In India, the idea of involving students in the task of national service dates back to the times of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. The central theme which he tried to impress upon his student audience time and again, was that they should always keep before them, their social responsibility. The first duty of the students should be, not to treat their period of study as one of the opportunities for indulgence in intellectual luxury, but for preparing themselves for final dedication in the service of those who provided the sinews of the nation with the national goods & services so essential to society. Advising them to form a living contact with the community in whose midst their institution is located, he suggested that instead of undertaking academic research about economic and social disability, the students should do “something positive so that the life of the villagers might be raised to a higher material and moral level”. 2. The post-independence era was marked by an urge for introducing social service for students, both as a measure of educational reform and as a means to improve the quality of educated manpower. The University Grants Commission headed by Dr. Radhakrishnan recommended introduction of national service in the academic institutions on a voluntary basis with a view to developing healthy contacts between the students and teachers on the one hand and establishing a constructive linkage between the campus and the community on the other hand. 3. The idea was again considered by the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) at its meeting held in January, 1950. After examining the various aspects of the matter and in the light of experience of other countries in this field, the Board recommended that students should devote some time to manual work on a voluntary basis and that the teachers should also associate with them in such work. In the draft First Five year Plan adopted by the Government of India in 1952, the need for social and labour service for students for one year was further stressed. Consequent upon this, labour and social service camps, camp[us work projects, village apprenticeship scheme etc. , were put into operation by various educational institutions. In 1958, the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his letter to the Chief Ministers, mooted the idea of having social service as a prerequisite for graduation. He further directed the Ministry of Education to formulate a suitable scheme for introduction of national service into the academic institutions. 4. In 1959, a draft outline of the scheme was placed before the Education Minister’s Conference. The Conference was unanimous about the urgent need for trying out a workable scheme for national service. In view of the fact that education as it was imparted in schools and colleges, left something to be desired and it was necessary to supplement it with programmes which would arouse interest the social and economic reconstruction of the country. It was viewed that if the objectives of the scheme were to be realized, it was essential to integrate social service with the educational process  as early as possible. The Conference suggested the appointment of a committee to work out details of the proposed pilot project. In pursuance of these recommendations, a National Service Committee was appointed under the Chairmanship of Dr. C.D. Deshmuklh on August 28, 1959 to make concrete suggestions in this direction. The committee recommended that national service for a period of nine months to a year may be made compulsory for all students completing high school education and intending to enroll themselves in a college or a university. The scheme was to include some military training, social service, manual labour and general education. The recommendations of the Committee could not be accepted because of its financial implications and difficulties in implementation. 5. In 1960, at the instance of the Government of India, Prof. K.G. Saiyidain studied national service by students implemented in several countries of the world and submitted his report under the title “National Service for the Youth” to the Government with a number of recommendations as to what could be done in India to develop a feasible scheme of social service by students. It was also recommended that social service camps should be open to students as well as non-students within the prescribed age group for better inter-relationship. 6. The Education Commission headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari (1964-66) recommended that students at all stages of education should be associated with some form of social service. This was taken into account by the State Education Minister during their conference in April 1967 and they recommended that at the university stage, students could be permitted to join the National Cadet Corps (NCC) which was already in existence on a voluntary basis and an alternative to this could be offered to them in the form of a new programme called the National Service Scheme (NSS). Promising sportsmen, however, should be exempted from both and allowed to join another scheme calle4d the National Sports Organisation (NSO), in view of the need to give priority to the development of sports and athletics. 7. The Vice Chancellors’ Conference in September, 1969 welcomed this recommendation and suggested that a special committee of Vice Chancellors could be set up to examine this question in detail. In the stateme nt of national policy on education of the Government of India, it was laid down that work experience and national service should be an integral part of education. In May, 1969, a conference of the students’ representatives of the universities and institutions of higher learning convened by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission also unanimously declared that national service could be a powerful instrument for national integration. It could be used to introduce urban students to rural life. Projects of permanent value could also be undertaken as a symbol of the contribution of the student community to the progress and upliftment of the nation. 8. The details were soon worked out and the Planning Commission sanctioned an outlay of Rs. 5 crores for National Service Scheme (NSS) during the Fourth Five Year Plan. It was stipulated that the NSS programme should be started as a pilot project in select institutions and universities. 9. On September 24, 1969, the then Union Education Minister Dr. V.K.R.V. Rao, launched the NSS programme in 37 universities covering all States and simultaneously requested the Chief Ministers of States for their cooperation and help. It was appropriate that the programme was started during the Gandhi Centenary Year  as it was Gandhiji who inspired the Indian youth to participate in the movement for Indian independence and the social uplift of the downtrodden masses of our nation. 10. The cardinal principle of the programme is that it is organised by the students themselves and both students and teachers through their combined participation in social service, get a sense of involvement in the tasks of national development. Besides, the students, particularly, obtain work experience which might help them to find avenues of self- employment or employment in any organisation at the end of their university career. The initial financial arrangements provided for an expenditure of Rs. 120/- per NSS student per annum to be shared by the Central and the State Governments in the ratio of 7:5 i.e. the Central Government spending Rs. 70/- and State Governments Rs. 50/- respectively per NSS student per year. An amount of Rs. 120/- per NSS student per annum on programmes to be shared by the Central and State Governments in the ration of 7:5 (i.e. Rs. 70/- per student by the central government and Rs. 50/- per student by the State Governments). Keeping the inflation in view, it is now under consideration to revise the amount for Special Camping and Regular Activities. 11. The response of student s to the scheme has been quite encouraging. Starting with an enrollment of 40,000 students in 1969, the coverage of NSS students, increased to 11.36 lakhs during 1995-96. The coverage of NSS students during the 6th , 7th and 8th Five Year Plan was as under:- 1980-81 - 4.75 lakhs 1981-82 - 5.12 lakhs 1982-83 - 5.40 lakhs 1983-84 - 5.71 lakhs 1984-85 - 6.10 lalkhs 1985-86 - 7.20 lakhs 1986-87 - 7.74 lakhs 1987-88 - 8.50 lakhs 1988-89 - 8.88 lakhs 1989-90 - 10.38 lakhs 1990-91 - 10.97 lakhs 1991-92 - 10.26 lakhs 1992-93 - 10.26 lakhs 1993-94 - 11.16 lakhs 1994-95 - 11.24 lakhs 1995-96 - 11.36 lakhs 1996-97 - 12.89 lakhs 1997-98 - 13.52 lakhs 12. The scheme now extends to all the states ad universities in the country and covers +2 level also in many states. Students, teachers, guardians, persons in authority in government, universities and colleges/schools and the people in general now realize the need and significance of NSS. It has aroused among the student youth an awareness of the realities of life, a better understanding and appreciation of the problems of the people. NSS is, thus, a concrete attempt in making campus relevant to the needs of the community. There are several instances of excellent work and  exemplary conduct of NSS units which have earned them respect and confidence of the people. The special camping programmes organised under the themes of ‘Youth Against Famine (1973)’, ‘Youth Against Dirt & Disease (1974-75)’, ‘Youth for Eco- Development’ and ‘Youth for Rural Reconstruction’ ‘Youth for National Development and Youth for Literacy (1985-93)’ ‘Youth for National Integration and Communal Harmony (1993-95)’ have resulted in gains both to the community as well as to the students. The theme for the year 1995-96 onwards for Special Camping is Youth for Sustainable Development with focus on Watershed Management and Water land Development’. Themes have been selected in accordance with national priorities. Also, from 1991-92 onwards NSS has launched a nationwide campaign on AIDS Awareness called “Universities Talk AIDS” (UTA) which has earned international attention and appreciation. 13. Community service rendered by university and +2 level students has covered several aspects like adoption of villages for intensive development work, carrying out the medico-social surveys, setting up of medical centres, programmes of mass immunization, sanitation drives, adult education programmes for the weaker sections of the community, blood donation, helping patients in hospitals, helping inmates of orphanages and the physically handicapped etc. NSS volunteers did commendable relief work during natural calamities/emergencies such as cyclones, floods, famine, earthquake, et. From time to time all over the country. The NSS students have also done useful work in organising campaigns for eradication of social evils, and popularization of the nationally accepted objectives like nationalism, democracy, secularism, social harmony and development of scientific temper. Proposed Expansion 14. NSS programme have expanded both quantitatively and qualitatively over the years. A review committee was set up by the Government of India in August, 1984. One of the important recommendations of the committee was that the programme of NSS had great potential and, therefore, should continue and expand. The committee also recommended a 10 percent rate of growth of coverage of students under NSS in each year. This recommendation of the committee has been accepted by the government and by the end of IX Plan, the target of covering 20.00 lakh students under the programme is to be achieved. 15. Recently, the scheme has been extended to form an open unit, involving ex-NSS volunteers, and persons having an aptitude for social work. NSS at + 2 Stage 16. The scheme at +2 stage was introduced in 1985 on an experimental basis in states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat, West Bengal and Union Territory of Daman and Diu. It has been extended to other states after an evaluation conducted by specialized agencies. By the year 1992 the SS programme has been extended to the States of Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Union Territories of Chandigarh, Delhi and Pondicherry covering 1.60 lakh students. Presently, the total strength of NSS is more than 1.3 million.  16.1 As the role of NSS has been appreciated and recognized in the New Education Policy, the State Governments are requested to increase the coverage. For this purpose, the State Governments are expected to make necessary provisions in their budge t in order to be able to meet the expenditure on 10 percent increase in the number of NSS volunteers every year. Special emphasis in National Policy on Education, 1986 (Revised 1992). 17. The National Policy on Education 1986, with modification undertaken in 1992 envisages that opportunities will be provided for the youth to involve themselves in national and social development through educational institutions and outside agencies. Students will be required to participate in one or the other existing schemes, namely, the National Service Scheme, National Cadet Corps. The National Service Volunteer Scheme will also be strengthened. “Academic credit for extension work could be considered and in certain areas directly related to extension activities like social work and rural development” (National Policy on Education – Recommendation para 8.22). “We strongly reiterate para 8.22 of NPE. Adequate facilities should be provided to ensure that all students participate in one or the other existing schemes, particularly National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC)” Para 13.4 Central Advisory Board of Education Committee on Policy – January, 1992. 17.1 In pursuance of the above recommendations the programme of Action 1992 on National Policy on Education provides that special incentives be evolved to encourage teachers’ interest and participation, quite apart from incentives to encourage and sustain participation of students and youth in these programmes. Possible incentives may include the following:- (a) Recognition of the outstanding contribution of teachers to NSS as an extension work under the third dimension of the university system as equivalent to research work. (b) Special incentives for teachers for outstanding contributions under NSS. (c) Special incentives for students with outstanding records under NCC, NSS etc. at the time of their admission to college and university and also for promotion within colleges land universities. (Para No.20.3.3 Programme of Action 1992 on National Policy on Education by Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development) 17.2 From the above, it is evident that special emphasis has been given to NSS in National Policy on Education in which it has been proposed that every student would be expected to participate either in NSS or NCC. It is now realized that the scheme is useful for the personality development of the students, particularly in the context of the present campus situation in our country where the opportunities to students for personality development and other activities are scarce. There is thus a need for the Centre and the State Governments to work towards a situation where all the students in universities, colleges  and +2 level can have such opportunities through the NSS and NCC as envisaged in National Policy on Education. 18. The past experience of National Service Scheme is quite heartening. It has provided diversified opportunities to students in schools/colleges and universities to develop their personality through community service.  Chapter-2 : NSS – BASIC CONCEPTS The overall aim of National Service Scheme as envisaged earlier, is to give an extension dimension to the higher education system and orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institution. The reason for the formulation of this objective is the general realization that the college and +2 level students have a tendency to get alienated from the village/slum masses which constitute the majority of the population of the country. The educated youth who are expected to take the reins of administration in future are found to be unaware of the problems of the village/slum community and in certain cases are indifferent towards their needs and problems. Therefore it is necessary to arouse the social conscience of the students, and to provide them an opportunity to work with the people in the villages and slums. It is felt that their interaction with the common villagers and slum dwellers will expose them to the realities of life and bring about a change in their social perception. Objectives: 1. The broad objectives of NSS are to: (i) understand the community in which they work (ii) understand themselves in relation to their community; (iii) identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process; (iv) develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility; (v) utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems; (vi) develop competence required for group living and sharing of responsibilities; (vii) gain skills in mobilizing community participation; (viii) acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude; (ix) develop capacity to meet emergencies and natural disasters and (x) practice national integration and social harmony. The Motto 2. The motto or watchword of the National Service Scheme is : ‘NOT ME BUT YOU’. This reflects the essence of democratic living and upholds the need for selfless service and appreciation of the other person’s point of view and also to show consideration for fellow human beings. It underlines that the welfare of an individual is ultimately dependent on the welfare of society on the whole. Therefore, it should be the aim of the NSS to demonstrate this motto in its day-to-day programme. NSS Symbol 3. The symbol of the National Service Scheme, as appearing on the cover page of this Manual is based on the ‘Rath’ wheel of the Konark Sun Temple situated in Orissa. These giant wheels of the Sun Temple portray the cycle of creation, preservation and release,  and signify the movement in life across time and space. The design of the symbol, a simplified form of the Sun-chariot wheel primarily depicts movement. The wheel signifies the progressive cycle of life. It stands for continuity as well as change and implies the continuous striving of NSS for social transformation and upliftment. NSS Badge 4. The NSS symbol is embossed on the NSS badge. The NSS volunteers wear it while undertaking any programme of community service. The Konark wheel in the symbol has eight bars which represent the 24 hours of the day. Hence, the badge reminds the wearer to be in readiness for service of the nation round the clock i.e. for 24 hours. The red colour in the badge indicates that the NSS volunteers are full of blood i.e. lively, active, energetic and full of high spirit. The navy blue colour indicates the cosmos of which the NSS is a tiny part, ready to contribute its share for the welfare of the mankind. NSS Day 5. NSS was formally launched on 24th September, 1969, the birth centenary year of the Father of the Nation. Therefore, 24 September is celebrated every year as NSS Day with appropriate programmes and activities. NSS Song 6. During Silver Jubilee Year the NSS theme song ha s been composed. All NSS volunteers are expected to learn the theme song and sing the song during NSS programmes and celebrations. The theme song cassette is available and the theme song is given in the end of the Manual.  PART – II NSS PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES Chapter 1 : BASIC CONCEPTS AND COMPONENTS 1. The National Service Scheme was started to establish a meaningful linkage between the campus and the community. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, had recognized that the country could not progress in a desired direction until the student youth were motivated to work for the upliftment of the villages/community. For Gandhiji the villages, where majority of the population lived, represent the country i.e. India. Therefore, for the national reconstruction and national resurgence it was deemed fit that the students and teachers should be properly sensitized and utilized for strengthening the Indian society as a whole with particular emphasis on rural community. Therefore, student youth, teachers and the community are considered the three basic components of the National Service Scheme. NSS Programme Officer 1.1 The Programme Officer, who is a member of the teaching faculty provides necessary leadership to the youth/NSS students. The teacher/NSS programme officer has the professional knowledge and skills. He/she is also a representative of the school/college and the educated elite and knows the needs and aspirations of student youth. Further he/she is expected to be a role model of the values and the norms of the institution and the society as a whole. Therefore, he/she is the fittest person to provide necessary lead to the students in developing their personality through community service. In fact the Programme Officer is a friend, philosopher and guide to the students in achieving this goal. NSS Volunteer 1.2 The NSS volunteer, who is a college/+2 level student is the main beneficiary of the programme by way of development of his/her perception about the community, his/her skill to perform certain jobs, and develop quality of a leader, organiser, and an administrator and development of his/her personality as a whole. Through NSS, he/she gets opportunities to see the community closely and thus gets an experience of human nature in relation to his/her environment. This is how the NSS programme aims to make NSS student youth better citizens through “Development of their personality through Community Service”. Community 1.3 The community provides NSS volunteer the first hand knowledge of living conditions of masses to the NSS volunteers and thus, the process of mutual learning starts. The interaction of community with students and teachers while on one hand enrich the personality of student volunteers and on the other hand help the community to improve its living conditions. Aims of NSS Programmes/Activities 1.4 The operational aim of NSS is to integrate the three basic components of the programme. NSS programme should provide a variety of learning experiences which must develop a sense of participation, service and achievement among the volunteers. The activities should aim at the following:- (i) making education more relevant to the present situation to meet the felt needs of the community and supplement the education of the university/college students by bringing them face to face with the rural situation; (ii) Providing opportunities to the students to play their role in planning and executing development projects which would not only help in creating durable community assets in rural areas and urban slums but also results in the improvement of quality of life of the economically and socially weaker sections of the community; (iii) Encouraging students and non-students to work together along with the adults in rural areas; (iv) Developing qualities of leadership by discovering the latent potential among the campers, both students as well as local youth (Rural and Urban), with a view to involve them more intimately in the development programme and also to ensure proper maintenance of the assets created during the camps; (v) Emphasizing dignity of labour and self- help and the need for combining physical work with intellectual pursuits; (vi) Encouraging youth to participate enthusiastically in the process of national development and promote national integration, through corporate living and cooperative action. While undertaking these activities, each NSS unit should envisage its programmes/activities aimed at instilling discipline, building character, promotion of physical fitness and development of culture. Classification of NSS Programme 1.5 NSS activities have been divided in two major groups. These are regular NSS activities and special camping programme – (a) Regular NSS Activity: Under this, students undertake various programmes in the adopted villages, college/school campuses and urban slums during week ends or after college hours; (b) Special Camping Programme: Under this, camps of 10 days duration are organised in adopted villages or urban slums during vacations with some specific projects by involving local communities. 50% NSS volunteers are expected to participate in these camps. Special Camping programme under NSS has been dealt with in Part III in detail. 1.6 NSS Regular Activities: As stated above, NSS volunteers undertake various activities in adopted villages and slums for community service. Duration of these  services is 120 hours. The NSS units organise the regular activities as detailed below: (i) Orientation of NSS volunteers: To get the NSS volunteers acquainted with the basics of NSS programmes, 20 hours are allocated fo r their orientation through lectures, discussions, field visits and audio-visuals etc. (ii) Campus Work: The NSS volunteers may be involved in the projects undertaken for the benefit of the institution and students concerned. Such projects cover development of play grounds, laying of gardens, tree plantation in the premises, awareness programmes on drug-abuse, AIDS, population education and other projects. The NSS volunteers may work on campus projects for not exceeding 30 hours in a year; (iii) The remaining 70 hours will be utilized for community service on the projects in adopted villages/urban slums independently or in collaboration with others in this field, as detailed below: (a) Institutional work: The students may be placed with selected voluntary organisations working for the welfare of women, children, aged and disabled outside the campus. (b) Rural Project: The rural projects generally include the working of NSS volunteers in adopted villages for eradication of illiteracy, watershed management and wasteland development, agricultural operations, health, nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, mother and child care, family life education, gender justice, development of rural cooperatives, savings drives, construction of rural roads, campaign against social evils etc. © Urban Projects: In addition to rural projects other include adult education, welfare of slum dwellers, training in civil defence, traffic control, setting up first-aid posts, work in hospitals, orphanages, destitute home, environment, population education, drug, AIDS awareness, and income generation projects etc. Professional and technical institutions having NSS may have to design appropriate programmes for the community based on the needs. (d) Natural calamities & National Emergencies: The NSS units are expected to utilize the services of NSS volunteers at the time of natural calamities and national emergencies for mobilizing public support and rendering necessary assistance to the authorities in rescue, relief and rehabilitation. In such emergencies and calamities the Programme Officers are expected to take the initiative and offer the services of the NSS units and its volunteers to assist the administration. For further details please see page No.23 of the Manual. (e) National Days and Celebrations : The National Service Scheme programmes also include the celebration of National days. The purpose of such a provision is to celebrate such occasions in a befitting manner. List  of important days and weeks to be celebrated at institutional level are given in Annexure-I. 1.7 National Programmes: In the development perspective of any nation, certain programmes assumes special relevance in view of problems existing or anticipated. In our country, three such programmes have been launched. They are the Mass Programme of Functional Literacy, AIDS Awareness Programme and Sustainable Development with emphasis on Watershed Management & Wasteland Development. It is pertinent to mention here that NSS Volunteers ha ve come forward with zeal to make these programmes a great success.  CHAPTER - 2 : NSS PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES NSS Regular activities in Adopted Villages, Slums and with Voluntary Organisations NSS volunteers generally work with villages, slums and voluntary agencies to complete 120 hours of regular activities during an academic year. The aim of NSS volunteers in these areas has already been discussed I the previous chapter. As perthe fundamental principles of National Service Scheme, a vo lunteer is expected to remain in constant touch with the community. Hence, it is of vital importance that a particular village/slum is selected for implementation of NSS programmes. As the NSS volunte4er is to live with the members of the community and learn from their experience during his/her tenure in NSS, the village/slum should be carefully selected for adoption by NSS unit. 1. Adoption of Villages 1.1 Adoption of a village and area is a very meaningful programme in NSS. It is far better to concentrate attention on one village and take up the task for development perspective, than to fritter away energy in many locations involving too many activities which may not be completed at all or where the follow up action may not be possible. From this point of view, village adoption programme should ensure continuity of work vis-à-vis sustained action, evaluation and follow up work. Contacting Village/Area Leaders 1.2 As a first step in this programme, it is necessary to establish contact with more than one village which would help to select a village where ‘Leadership’ is well established. In other words, selecting a village with proper leadership is very important as the sustained follow up action and evaluation is ensured in such places. To start with, the NSS unit can take the help of the Block Authorities, District Panchayat Officer, District Tribal Welfare Officer, District Medical Officer, Extension Officer of Agriculture, Irrigation and Education Departments for the selection of the village. It is to be noted that the selected villages should be within a short distance from the college so that constant contact can easily be made. Survey of the Village/Area 1.3 Before drawing up the plan of action, it is absolutely necessary to conduct a comprehensive survey of few villages situated at a short distance from the college. The assistance from the teachers and students of agriculture, economics, commerce, geography, statistics, home science, social work, medicine, psychology and education etc. have to be sought for the purpose. Conducting socio-economic survey can be an interesting field activity which has direct bearing on the curriculum of economics, commerce, statistics, psychology, health education etc. The report of such a survey will provide up-to-date information about the problems and potentials of the village and help in programme planning for village development. The applied field work will help the students to increase their analytical ability and deepen their thinking. Further, this will  help them to identify the problems which have been left unnoticed. The survey work can also be accomplished with the help of PRA exercises (Participatory Rural Appraisal) Identification of Problem(s) 1.4 It is on the basis of this need assessment that projects/programmes are to be formulated. The programme officers should use their discretion and should identify the projects which can be completed by seeking assistance from the communities/other agencies. 1.5 As the aim of adoption of village or area is to give new ideas of development to the villagers which would improve their living conditions. Once the trust of the communities is won, they start cooperating with the NSS volunteers and approach them for solution of their problems. One of the important service that can be rendered by NSS volunteers is disseminating information about the latest developments in agriculture, watershed management, wastelands development, non-conventional energy, low cost housing, sanitation, nutrition and personal hygiene, schemes for skill development, income generation, government schemes, legal aid, consumer protection and allied field. A liaison between government and other development agencies like Banks, IRDP, ICDS, NREP, DWCRA, JRY etc. can also be made. 1.6 The Programme Officers (PO) should motivate the communities to involve themselves with NSS for the community development work undertaken by the NSS unit. Further he or she will have to seek the help of various government departments and agencies for technical advice and financial assistance. Therefore, he/she must establish lathes good rapport with the government officials and development agencies. For this, it is better if the administration is taken into confidence by prior consultations. Completion of Projects 1.7 As already stated, the Programme Officer must select the projects very carefully as the image of NSS depends upon the successful completion of such projects. Successful completion of the projects can win appreciation and credit of the community. Evaluation of Project 1.8 Every project sho uld be evaluated after its completion by involving members of the community, Government officials and Panchayat officials. The NSS unit should learn from the lapses in the execution of the project and plan for the next project keeping in view the bottlenecks and constraints faced by them during the earlier project. 2. Adoption of Slums Most of the colleges and universities are usually located in the urban areas. Due to long distance between the college campuses and the villages, the visits to the adopted villages by the NSS volunteers may become expensive and time consuming. In view of this, it is desirable to adopt slum especially by colleges located in urban areas. Survey of the Slum 2.1 For adoption of a slum, there should be composite survey team consisting of students drawn from faculties like, Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Home Science and Social Work etc. The selected areas should be compact and should be easily accessible for students. Areas with acute political conflicts may be avoided. 2.2 The issues pertaining to the identification of problems, project planning, interaction and coordination with the various departmental agencies, execution and completion of projects shall be undertaken on the same basis/lines as discussed earlier in the part ‘Adoption of Villages’. The progress of projects should also be reviewed frequently. Services in Slums 2.3 The slum, tenements, jhuggis and jhoupris can be adopted by the NSS units with the aim of slum improvement and check its spread. Under this, activities like providing water, water logging, sanitation, electricity, drainage, health and welfare services, life and living conditions, can be undertaken. NSS volunteers for Slum Work 2.4 Taking into account the living conditions & status of slum dwellers of the slums, only highly motivated, adaptable, mature and skilled students should be selected for slum development. 2.5 Following are the tasks which the students can undertaken in slum areas:- (a) As Community Investigators: They can prepare brief community profile on various slums in the city or town covering different amenities, services, and living conditions etc. (b) As Community Workers: They can identify local leaders and in cooperation with them discuss local problems on which cooperative action can be initiated. © As Programme Aides: Studfents can help the local communities in launching a number of programmes like setting up a free milk distribution centre, sanitation drive, recreation, adult lad primary education, health projects like immunization, fairst aid centre, child care, nutrition classes, and free legal aid centres etc. They can also help in forming youth clubs, children’s groups, mahila mandals etc. (d) As Community Organizers: NSS students, after establishing rapport with the slum dwellers, can form community association to tackle local problems on a group basis with reliance on local resources, self help and mutual aid and with some minimum external assistance. 2.6 Some suggestions for Selection of slums (i) There should be a socio-economic survey of the slum by a team of volunteers drawn from different faculties; (ii) The selected area should be compact. There should not be more than 300 residents in an adopted slum;  (iii) The community people should be receptive to the ideas of improving their living standard. They should also be ready to coordinate and involve in the projects undertaken by the NSS for their upliftment; (iv) The areas where political conflicts are likely to arise should be avoided by the NSS units; (v) The area should be easily accessible to the NSS volunteers to undertake frequent visits to slums; (vi) The working in the slum needs commitment and hard work. Only sensitive and highly motivated NSS volunteers can find easy to serve in slum areas. 3. Coordination with Voluntary Organisations It may be noted that the NSS unit has no financial resource to implement any programme in the adopted villages or slum on its own. Therefore, a successful unit has to closely coordinate with the government agencies and voluntary organisations working in this field. 3.1 After identification of the needs of the community and the selection of projects, the programme officer should look for the Government agency or a voluntary organisation who can assist in the completion of a particular project. The different departments of the Government like forest, agriculture, adult education, health, child and family welfare, can render very useful assistance to the project pertaining to community work. Voluntary organisations can also help in forming public opinion in favour of NSS projects. Adult education samitis, Nasha Bandi Boards, Yuva Mandals and Mahila Mandals can provide additional assistance to the NSs units. Similarly voluntary land statutory welfare agencies such as Community Centres, Residential Institutions for children/wome n, the Aged and Institutions for physically handicapped and disabled can provide a wide scope of the choice of service to the NSS volunteers. NSS volunteers can be placed with these agencies considering the inherent aptitudes and inclinations of NSS volunteers. NSS volunteers must be told to develop a sense of belonging and respect for the people with whom they are working. Working in close collaboration with these agencies will help the NSS volunteers in understanding the problems of a vulnerable section of the society. The work opportunities in the welfare institutions may be enumerated as under:- (i) adoption of welfare institutions and helping the inmates and staff by arranging outings, fund collection drives, reading and writing letters for those who are unable to do so; (ii) propagation of the message of small family norms, health education, small savings drives etc; (iii) working for improvement of physical environment; (iv) programme of non- formal education and general literacy classes; (v) organisation of economic development activities; (vi) establishment of hobby centres and (vii) assisting in the rehabilitation work of the disabled, destitute etc.  In addition, NSS units and welfare agencies can take up joint community development projects and other programmes of community welfare land awareness depending on the local needs. 3.2 The NSS Programme Officers should plan activities in the adopted village or slum in such a way that the leisure time of the NSS volunteers can be utilized in the service of adopted village or slum. Week-end visits to the adopted areas provide suitable opportunities to live with the community and know their problems and make an earnest effort to do something for them. Similarly efforts should be made to follow up the work done in the areas earlier. Such sustained efforts will flower into friendship between the NSS unit and the community. These activities can be arranged through one day camps and frequent visits under regular activities. 4. National Service Volunteer Scheme (NSVS) This scheme provides opportunities for outstanding Ex-NSS volunteers to undertake service oriented activities on a full time basis. 4.1 The placement of the volunteers is made with the university Programme Coordinators, colleges or institutions having NSS units. The NSS volunteers assist the concerned authorities in field work and projects concerning youth and community. They cannot be employed on any clerical or office work. The NSVs is given a stipend of Rs. 500/- per month, and a traveling allowance of Rs. 200/- per month and Rs. 100 as annual contingency expenditure. Selection of NSVs is made by a Committee constituted for this purpose. The placement of volunteer is for a period of one year initially which can be extended for another year subject to assessment of his/her performance. The stipend including traveling allowance and contingency expenditure is borne by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports 4.2 The Department of Youth Affairs & sports has published pamphlets on youth programmes. These pamphlets may be obtained from the Under Secretary, Publication Unit, Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001 or from NSS Regional Centes and Nehru Yuva Kendras. 4.3 The Department of Youth & Sports does not entertain proposals regarding any youth programmes directly from the sponsor. These proposals are processed at initial stage by the NSS Regional Centres in their respective region. Therefore, it is desirable that the Regional Centres are approached for detailed information for preparing such proposal in consultation with the Programme Coordinator of the University. 4.4 The authorities concerned with National Service Scheme sincerely desire that the benefit of these programmes should reach the NSS volunteers who are the target groups of these programmes. 5. Day Camps Some universities have informed that NSS volunteers fail to complete the prescribed 120 hours in social work under NSS programme due to disturbance caused to academic session. It was therefore suggested that NSS units may be allowed to organize day camps to complete the prescribed 120 hours of NSS regular work. These camps of 8 hours duration may be organised on week ends and holidays. They may do the community work for 16 hours in 2 consecutive days. Expenditure not exceeding Rs. 8/- per head per day may be incurred towards refreshment and transport expenses out of college/+2 level NSS regular activity grants meant for the development of programme. Such camps can be organised selectively when felt necessary in consultation with the Principals of the Institutions.  PART – III SPECIAL CAMPING PROGRAMME Chapter-1 : SPECIAL CAMPING PROGRAMME Special Camping forms an integral part of National Service Scheme. It has special appeal to the youth as it provides unique opportunities to the students for group living, collective experience sharing and constant interaction with community. 1. Special campings are organised generally on various developmental issues of national importance. In the past the themes of the Special Camping Programmes have been ‘Youth Against Famine’, ‘Youth Against Dirt and Disease’, ‘Youth for Rural Reconstruction’, ‘Youth for Eco-Development’ and ‘Youth for Mass Literacy’, ‘Youth for National Integration &Social Harmony’. The current theme of Special Camp is ‘Youth for Sustainable Development with special focus on Watershed Management and Wasteland Development. Every year 50 percent of the volunteers of each NSS unit are expected to participate in special camps which is of ten days duration. Contributions of Special Camping Programme 1.1 Concerted efforts have to be made for a number of years for reconstruction activities in rural areas and urban slums for improving the living conditions of economically and socially weaker sections of the community. For this, the universities colleges land +2 institutions having NSS have a special role to play in collaboration with other Departments and local authorities engaged in Development work. They should adopt a village or group of villages/urban slums for intensive social development, where special camps are organised by them year after year to create tangible and durable community assets. Objectives of the Special Camping programme 1.2 The primary objectives of the special camping programmes are:- (i) making education more relevant to the present situation to meet the felt needs of the communities and supplement the education of university/college/school students by bringing them face to face with the community situation. (ii) To provide opportunities to students to play their due roles in the implementation of various development programmes by planning and executing development projects, which not only help in creating durable community assets in rural areas and slums but also result in improvement of the condition of weaker sections of the communities. (iii) Encouraging the students and non-students youth to work along with the adults in rural areas, thereby developing their character, social consciousness and commitment, discipline ad healthy and helpful attitudes towards the community; (iv) Building up potential youth leaders by exploring the latent potential among the campers, both students as well as local youth (rural and urban), with a view to involve them more intimately in development projects for longer periods. The  local leadership generated during the camps would also be useful in ensuring proper maintenance of the assets created as a result of the camps. (v) Emphasizing the dignity of labour and self- help and the need for combining physical work with intellectual pursuits, and (vi) Encouraging youth to participate enthusiastically in the process of national development, and promote national integration through democratic living and cooperative action. Suggestive list of activities during Regular as well as Special Camping 1.3 The aim of the Regular and special Camping Programme is to bring youth face to face with the community and make efforts to improve their life. The NSS volunteers are to devote about 80 hours in Regular Activities for the development of the adopted village. Special Camping has been conceived as an opportunity to live with that community for 10 days, and experience the conditions and problems of the people. The NSS volunteers need to be inspired to take initiatives for the improvement of their condition. Although the focus of the Special Camps change periodically and regular programmes are organised in response to the community needs at the micro- level, some broad areas of activities are enumerated below:- (a) Environment Enrichment and Conservation: Whereas the main theme for the special camping programme would be “Youth for Sustainable Development”, activities aimed at environment – enrichment would be organised under the sub-theme of” Youth for Better Environment”. The activities under this sub-theme would inter-alia, include: (i) plantation of trees, their preservation and upkeep (each NSS unit should plant and protect at least 1000 saplings); (ii) creation of NSS parks/gardens, Tarun Treveni Vanas. (iii) Construction & maintenance of village streets, drains, etc. so as to keep the environment clean; (iv) Construction of sanitary latrines etc. (v) Cleaning of village ponds and wells; (vi) Popularization and construction of Gobar Gas Plants, use of non-conventional energy; (vii) Environmental sanitation, and disposal of garbage & composting; (viii) Prevention of soil erosion, and work for soil conservation, (ix) Watershed management and wasteland development (x) Preservation and upkeep of monuments, and creation of consciousness about the preservation of cultural heritage among the community. (b) Health, Family Welfare and Nutrition Programme: (i) Programme of mass immunization; (ii) Working with people in nutrition programmes with the help of Home Science and medical college students; (iii) Provision of safe and clean drinking water; (iv) Integrated child development programmes;  (v) Health education, AIDS Awareness and preliminary health care. (vi) Population education and family welfare programme; (vii) Life style education centres and counseling centres. © Programmes aimed at creating an awareness for improvement of the status of women: They may, inter-alia, include: (i) programmes of educating people and making them aware of women’s rights both constitutional and legal; (ii) creating consciousness among women that they too contributed to economic and social well-being of the community; (iii) creating awareness among women that there is no occupation or vocation which is not open to them provided they acquire the requisite skills; and (iv) imparting training to women in sewing, embroidery, knitting and other skills wherever possible. (d) Social Service Programmes: Depending on the local needs and priorities, the following activities/programmes may be undertaken:- (i) work in hospitals, for example, serving as ward visitors to cheer the patients, help the patients, arranging occupational or hobby activities for long term patients; guidance service for out-door-patients including guiding visitors about hospital’s procedures, letter writing and reading for the patients admitted in the hospital; follow up of patients discharged from the hospital by making home visits and places of work, assistance in running dispensaries etc. (ii) work with the organisations of child welfare; (iii) work in institutions meant for physically and mentally handicapped; (iv) organising blood donation, eye pledge programmes; (v) work in Cheshire homes, orphanages, homes for the aged etc.; (vi) work in welfare organisations of women; (vii) prevention of slums through social education and community action; (e) Production Oriented Programmes: (i) working with people and explaining and teaching improved agricultural practices; (ii) rodent control land pest control practices; (iii) weed control; (iv) soil-testing, soil health care and soil conservation; (v) assistance in repair of agriculture machinery; (vi) work for the promotion and strengthening of cooperative societies in villages; (vii) assistance and guidance in poultry farming, animal husbandry, care of animal health etc.; (viii) popularization of small savings and  (ix) assistance in procuring bank loans (f) Relief & Rehabilitation work during Natural Calamities: These programme would enable the students to understand and share the agonies of the people affected in the wake of natural calamities like cyclone, flood, earthquakes, etc. The main emphasis should be on their participation in programmes, and working with the people to overcome their handicaps, and assisting the local authorities in relief and rehabilitation work in the wake of natural calamities. The NSS students can be involved in:- (i) assisting the authorities in distribution of rations, medicine, clothes etc.; (ii) assisting the health authorities in inoculation and immunization, supply of medicine etc.; (iii) working with the local people in reconstruction of their huts, cleaning of wells, building roads etc.; (iv) assisting and working with local authorities in relief and rescue operation; (v) collection of clothes and other materials, and sending the same to the affected areas; (g) Education and Recreations: Activities in this field could include: (i) adult education (short-duration programmes); (ii) pre-school education programmes; (iii) programmes of continuing education of school drop outs, remedial coaching of students from weaker sections; (iv) work in crèches; (v) participatory cultural and recreation programmes for the community including the use of mass media for instruction and recreation, programmes of community singing, dancing etc.; (vi) organisation of youth clubs, rural land indigenous sports in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendras; (vii) programmes including discussions on eradications of social evils like communalism, castism, regionalism, untouchability, drug abuse etc.; (viii) non- formal education for rural youth and (ix) legal literacy, consumer awareness. 1.4 The above is only an illustrative list of the type of activities that can be undertaken. Under the programme it would be open to each NSS Unit to undertake one of these programmes or any other activity which may seem desirable to them according to local needs. The NSS Unit should aim at the integrated development of the area selected for its operation which could be a village or a slum. It has also to be ensured that at least a part of the programme does involve manual work. Chapter 2 : PLANNING AND PREPARATION OF SPECIAL CAMPING PROGRAMME Planning To achieve the objectives of the Special Camping Programme, appropriate planning at State, University and college level lis very essential. 1. The camps under special camping programme sho uld be planned well in advance. Special attention should be paid to the needs of the backward areas. 1.1 Planning at the State Level:- (i) Meeting of the State Advisory Committee: The State Liaison Officer should convene the meeting of the State Advisory Committee and submit the proposal for the conduct of the Special Camping Programme under NSS during the year. All aspects of the camping and special projects to be undertaken at the state, university and +2 level should be brought to the notice of the State Advisory Committee. The allocation of the strength of special Camping Programme and pattern of financial expenditure for special camping programme should also be got approved from the State Advisory Committee as prescribed by the Administrative ad Financial directives. (ii) Allocation of strength: A meeting of the Programme Coordinators of the Universities, +2 stage and the Heads of the NSS Regional Centre should be convened. The Programme Coordinators will make the demand of allocation for Special Camping Programme for their Universitiy/+2 Council. The State Liaison Officer will issue necessary orders regarding the allocation of the strength for Special Camping Programme to the various Universities and +2 level. (iii) Approval of the State Advisory Committee : The state and university/+2 level projects should be identified and earmarked, so that necessary action may be initiated in time. (iv) Inter-departmental Coordination : The State Liaison Officer will take necessary steps to develop coordination with different Departments and agencies which are likely to collaborate in the Special Camping Programme. Meeting of the NSS Programme Coordinators, Head of the NSS Regional Centre and officials of the concerned departments should be convened for discussion and implementation. The representatives of the departments like Health, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Agricultural Extension, Land Reforms, Public Relations, PWD, Urban Development, Forest, Khadi and Village Industries, Archaeology etc. are usually associated with the camps. (v) Release of grants to the Universities and +2 Council The State Liaison Officer should ensure that the Special Camping grants reach the Universities and +2 Councils in time. It has been observed that in some cases the State Governments do not release the grants to the Universities in time. In such cases, special camping programme suffers due to non-availability of funds despite release of central share to State Government. It has been observed that in some cases, the Universities do not release the grants to the colleges in time. In many cases, the grants are released after the camps are over or by the end of the financial year. This is an undesirable practice. The purpose of releasing the grants to the State Government and Universities is defeated if the grants do not reach the NSS unit before holding the camps. If some University fails to make the grants available to the college before holding the camps, the State Government should take serious note of this default and take corrective measures immediately. 1.2 Planning at University Level (i) Meeting of the University Advisory Committee : The meeting of the University and +2 Advisory Committee should be convened by the concerned Programme Coordinator. The allocation of strength to the various institutions for Special Camping Programme, Financial pattern of expenditure and schedule of the camps should be approved by the University/+2 level Advisory Committee. (ii) Allocation of strength to the colleges/schools for Special Camping programme. The allocation of strength for special camping should be made in advance; so that NSS Units are in a position to submit the proposals of Special Camping Programme to the Coordinator within time. (iii) Issue of Guidelines : The guidelines regarding Special Camping Programme issued for the concerned year and financial directives indicating the financial pattern of expenditure should be brought to the notice of the Principals and Programme Officers. (iv) Release of grants to the Institutions: Special Camping grants are to be released to the Institutions one month in advance of the proposed commencement of the camps. 1.3 Planning at Institution level (i) Socio-economic and health survey: It is expected that the concerned NSS Unit has already conducted the Socio- economic and Health survey of the adopted village/slum. Unless the survey data are utilized for planning the programme , such surveys would not serve any useful purpose. This data should therefore, be made available to the concerned authorities and followed-up during regular NSS activities. It would be preferable if such surveys in adopted village/slum (where camps are planned) are conducted as part of the normal regular programme before start the camps. Departments and authorities who would be in a position to make use of the survey data should also be involved in the conduct of the survey. It would then form part of the pre-camp planning. (ii) Identification of the problems and needs of the adopted area: The data collected during these surveys would give a clear idea of the needs and potential of the community. Based upon this, the projects for the camps could be planned and programmes arranged so that the projects meet the felt needs of the community. (iii) Discussion with NSS Group Leaders, Volunteers and Colleagues regarding camp projects : As the Special Camp is considered to be a joint venture of the teaching community and students, like NSS leaders, volunteers and teachers, the Programme Officers should take necessary initiative to discuss the details of the projects and required arrangements of the Special Camping. Efforts may be made to involve more and more people in the organisation of the camp, so that the Special Camp does not remain only as an activity organised by the Programme officer but it becomes a programme of the entire Institution. (iv) Meeting the college/+2 level Advisory Committee : After discussion with NSS volunteers and active colleagues, the Programme officer should convene the meeting of the Advisory Committee for finalisation of the camp details like time, dates, venue, site, projects, inauguration and the names of the guests to be invited etc. (v) Submission of projects to the Programme Coordinator and Regional Centre :- The Programme Officer should convey the information regarding the proposed Special Camp to the Programme Coordinator, NSS Regional Centre, State Liaison officer and the concerned TOC/TORC. The information should contain the dates, time, venue and other details of the camp. The nature of the projects to be undertaken may also be intimated to the above authorities. Preparation 2. Preparation at University Level (a) Orientation of NSS Programme Officers and NSS Leaders at University Level : Proper orientation of teachers and student- leaders is necessary. Pre-camp orientation is compulsory for all colleges organising camps, particularly in view of the fact that special camping involve various technical aspects with which the camp organizers and students may not be familiar. Special orientation would, therefore, help in proper programmes planning and implementation. It would be preferable if the orientation for the teacher- in-charge and two student leaders from each unit is held at the University/+2 level in collaboration with NSS Regional Centre, the concerned Government Departments and Training & Orientation Centres and covers both programmes and administrative aspects of the camps. The Programme Officer (teacher- in-charge and the two student leaders) can then organise the orientation for all the students going to participate in the camp at the unit level itself or at the camp site, utilizing the services of locally available technical personnel and experts. (b) Consultation with the local authorities : The preparation at the unit level should ensure consultation with the concerned local departments, the support of the local panchayat and the community in the village/slums and with active participation by local youth (upto 10%). Arrangements for upkeep of the assets created as a result of the camps shall also be ensured by the local community. Efforts should be made to identify and involve representatives of different Departments who can be approached for guidance and assistance. (c) Approval of Proposals submitted by the units:- The Programme Coordinator should intimate the approval of the projects submitted by the NSS Units one month in advance. It will enable the programme officer to make necessary arrangements and contact the local authorities for the successful organisation of the camp. (d) Release of grants : The grants released by the Government of India and the State Governments, may be made available to the NSS Units organising the camp before the camp actually starts. The university must advance the Special Camping grant admissible to the NSS Units subject to the conditions of sub mission of proper accounts. The remaining balance may be released on the submission of final accounts by the concerned NSS Units. 2.1 Preparation at Unit Level (a) The Programme Officer will consult the relevant Departments, Panchayats, Local bodies and concerned officials of the other Departments while preparing projects. He/she must have proper assessment of the facilities available from the Departments, so that he/she does not face an untenable situation if promised facilities are not made available to him/her. The Programme officer should also consult the concerned Departments before undertaking any project on Government land, or based on its resources, so that complications may not arise at a later stage. (b) The Programme Officer will make necessary arrangements for the board required for the volunteers during camp. He/she will also ensure that the tools and equipments required for the projects in the camp are available in sufficient number. It has been observed that in many cases, improper supply of food and insufficient quantity of tools and equipments adversely affect the camp. (c) The Programme Officer should make Pre-camp visits to the area for making proper board and lodging arrangements. He/she must ensure that sufficient facilities of latrines and bath are available. (d) Care must be taken to see that necessary facilities are available to girl students to maintain their privacy and meet their needs. (e) The Programme Officer should impart training to the NSS volunteers in which all the details of the projects should be given. The volunteers should be divided into different groups and committees and the role of each committee and group should be defined to avoid over-lapping. 2.2 Guidelines for the success of Camp (a) Selection of proper projects : The selection of proper projects for special camping programme can boost the morale of the campers and develop in them a sense of achievement. Hence, it is essential that suitable projects must be selected with utmost care. While identifying the projects/activities in special camping programmes, the following criteria may be kept in mind : (i) The needs of the locality; (ii) Facilities available in the area; (iii) Local participation; (iv) Possibility of completing or developing the project in 10 days and (v) Possibility of follow-up action in Regular Activities. (b) Personality Development :  As the NSS aims at camps should be designed to achieve this objective. Group- work, team-building, community dynamics, leadership, communication skills and creativity should form part of special camps. If n developing the personality of student youth, therefore special necessary, a few camps may be developed exclusively for the purpose involving key NSS volunteers. 3. Importance of successful camping programme Special camps are considered as training grounds to train the educated citizens of tomorrow to undertake the responsibility of national reconstruction. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the NSS volunteer who is the main participant in the whole programme draws sufficient strength and experience to play his/her role in the society. Successful camps organised with specific projects and motivation can prove a source of strength and inspiration for him/her and encourage him/her to play a positive role in the emerging society. 4. Guiding Principles (a) The camp should provide an environment conducive for democratic and cooperative way of life. It must encourage the NSS volunteers to participate and cooperate in camp life. (b) Special camps also aim to promote the spirit of self- reliance and self-disciplined way of life in society. Major emphasis should be on the fact that the NSS volunteers should direct their behaviour themselves under the guidance of the Programme Officer. The entire work of organising and running the camp e.g. clearing of the site, pitching of tents (wherever necessary), provision of sanitary services and recycling of human and vegetable wastes, cooking and serving food etc. ought to rest on the shoulders of the participants. As some of the students who participate in the camps are not trained for these elementary tasks, there should be a group of trained volunteers which can be shifted from camp to camp to provide this training. (c) The NSS volunteers should be able to identify themselves with the community. The gap between the poor and rich and educated and illiterate is widespread in the society. Hence, our effort should be to bridge this gap by taking the NSS volunteers to the village to provide with opportunities to understand the community, its problem and possible solutions. An earnest effort should be made so that NSS volunteers relate themselves with the community, and not remain alienated individuals. It should be ensured that there is no discordance with the general standards of living of the areas. The task of developing a feeling of relation with the community for seeking whole-hearted cooperation of local youth, should be understood as the most vital task in the camp. 5. Organisation of camp (a) Each camp will have 1-2 teachers and 2-5 student leaders who will work as camp organizers/work supervisors. Each camp may consist of a minimum of 40 and maximum of 50 participants depending upon local needs. (b) Active participation of local student and non-student youth (up to 10% of the camp strength) may be ensured. This can be done through suitable cultural and educational programmes, through dance, drama, music etc. undertaken in the evenings in cooperation with the local peoples. (c) The NSS Programme Officers should ensure adequate representation of students belonging to SC/ST and minority communities, so that young persons belonging to these communities feel fully involved in the development of the country. (d) Female NSS volunteers should be encouraged to participate in the camps organised by the co-educational Institutions. (e) Students from foreign countries may also be involved in the NSS camps, if possible. 6. Administration of the Camp (a) Maximum number of NSS volunteer leaders and teaching community of the institution may be involved in conducting the camp. (b) All NSS volunteers participating in the camp should be divided into different groups. Each one will undertake activities according to one’s aptitude, educational qualification and skill. For example, one team can take up mass immunization against preventable diseases, another team can look after environmental sanitation and popularization of Gobar Gas Plants; yet another team can concentrate its work on provision of potable water or other activities chosen by the institution etc. each group may have a few local non-student youth so as to ensure local support on voluntary basis, and to ensure proper follow- up to the programmes during the term time. (c) The management of the camps may be done through Committees which take care of various aspects of camp life. Punctuality and discipline should be emphasised. All the participants including the teachers should strictly abide by the camp rules and stay in the camp. It is suggested that the following Committees may be formed for running the camp :- (i) Mess Committee : It will look after the food arrangements of the camp (ii) Programme Committee : To conduct the day-to-day activities of the camp  (iii) Project Committee : To take care of the project work including supply of tools and equipment. (iv) Cultural Programme Committee : To arrange the cultural programmes in the way that all participants get opportunity to show their skill and talent. Group performance may be given preference over individual performance. (v) General Discipline Committee : It will look after the discipline in the camp. (vi) Reception and Guest Committee : It will look after the guests in the camp, and make necessary arrangements for their arrival and departure. 7. Duration of the Camp (a) The NSS camp will be of 10 days duration. The NSS volunteers are expected to be in the camp throughout the period, including on the inaugural day and depart from the camp only on closing day after valedictory function. (b) Camps beyond 10 days may be organised by the Institution, subject to the condition that no additional finance will be made available. The additional expenditure may be met by exercising economy in the camp expenditure. The camp may be extended by five days over and above the mandatory period of 10 days. (c) In case an important project has been undertaken and it remains incomplete and it is very essential to the community, the NSS units may plan to organise a second camp to complete the project. 8. Lodging Arrangements (a) The lodging arrangements of the camp should be made in a building of the village or Panchayat school. (b) In case of non-availability, a community building like Panchayat house etc. should be utilized for such purpose, with the consent of the influential people of the village. (c) No camp should be held in the premises of the college/school. The NSS volunteers must reside in the adopted area where the camp is being held. (d) Generally, slums in metropolitan cities are not convenient for the students to stay overnight during the project. In such cases, the arrangements for stay should be made in the institution itself (the colleges and schools are expected to adopt nearby slums). However, where this is not possible, ‘Day Camp’ can be orgnaised. This provision is only for Urban Units, who find it extremely difficult to get suitable accommodation for campers. The approval of the Programme Coordinator may be obtained in advance for organising ‘Day Camps’. 9. Board Arrangements (a) The mess should be managed by Mess Committee. The practice of giving the responsibility of food supply to a contractor should be avoided. (b) Food in the camps should be simple but balanced. It should be at minimum cost and as far as possible, prepared out of locally available materials. Meals should be carefully planned with the assistance of such institutio ns and individuals having knowledge of food and nutrition as may be available in the State. The participants should also be explained about meal planning as an educational lesion; and its propagation among the local community should be an important extension activity of the campers. (c) It should be ensured that the food served in the camp is not very much different from the general standard of the villagers living in the area. 10. Project Work (a) The projects should be selected as per the guidelines, after identifying the needs of the village/slums. No project should be undertaken, which is irrelevant to the needs of the village/slum. (b) The project should be approved by the competent authority to avoid conflict at later stages. (c) The availability of the materials/equipments and technical advice may be ensured in advice may be ensured in advance for the success of the project. (d) All efforts should be made to complete the project during the camp period itself. Every precaution should be taken not to leave the project incomplete. 11. Involvement of the Community Every effort should be made to involve the local people in project work. It must be explained that the work is for their benefit and therefore, they should contribute to it. If all the physical effort is done only by the students then the villages population may feel that the students are doing it to get a degree or some such benefit. The object of the programme should, therefore, be to involve the village population actively in rural welfare programmes and make them see that, by their own coordinated efforts, they could live a better and richer life. 12. Camp Programme (a) It is very essential to prepare a suitable schedule for the camp, so that is helps to develop a sense of discipline and devotion among the campers. As the camp is an  occasion for establishing rapport with the community, it should not be treated as a picnic or excursion. (b) No uniform schedule of activities can be suggested for a work camp due to considerable variety in the scope and content of the projects, the NSS units should ensure that various activities undertaken during the camp are so planned and organised that is ultimately leads to fulfillment of the objectives of holding a camp. In addition to some manual work, the camp should provide opportunity for community, living, discussion in group and cultural activities etc. A good camp can adopt the following daily schedule of important activities :- (i) Manual work for accomplishment of the project like construction of small village complex, sustainable development activities like laying out gardens, tree plantation etc. or any other project depending on local needs and priorities. : 5 Hours (ii) Discussion on topics like freedom struggle, character- building, development of culture, family welfare, health and hygiene, national integration, eradication of social evils like casteism, regionalism, dowry, untouchability, alcoholism, corruption, gambling and superstitions, civil, social and national responsibilities of citizens, small savings, improved agricultural practices etc. : 2 Hours (iii) Cultural programmes/community singing in the evening : 2 Hours It is advisable that during the course of discussions on various topics and the cultural programmes – maximum number of villagers/residents (irrespective of their age) are provided an opportunity to benefit from such discussion and cultural programmes. If some of them are unable to participate in the manual work, but are interested in discussions and cultural programmes, this may be encouraged. Cultural programmes, may, as far as possible, be of educative value with social messages. Efforts should be made to get some documentary films on development issues screened for the benefit of the community. (e) It has been decided that as a part of the camp, the students should be taken to nearby projects with a rural development content like IRDP, NREP, ICDS, mid- day meals, adult literacy, village roads and sanitation, rural cooperative housing activity, dairying and animal husbandry, social forestry, soil and water conservation projects, and monuments of historical importance, to educate them about the cultural heritage as well as economic and technological advancement of the country. It would be necessary to spend a day fore this purpose by economizing on the budget provided for Special Camping Programme and extending the duration of the camps by 1 or 2 days. Effective coordination has to  be made with State Government and District Authorities to get all assistance in this regard. 13. Suggestive Model Schedule 1 Waking Up 0500 Hrs. 2 Morning Assembly and Physical Exercises 0600 Hrs. to 0630 Hrs. 3 Break Fast and Collection of tools etc. 0630 Hrs. to 0715 Hrs. 4 Project work 0730 Hrs. to 1230 Hrs. 5 Persona l Hygiene 1230 Hrs. to 1300 Hrs. 6 Lunch 1300 Hrs. to 1400 Hrs. 7 Rest 1400 Hrs. to 1500 Hrs. 8 Talks by eminent visitors followed by discussion 1500 Hrs. to 1700 Hrs. 9 Community visit 1700 Hrs. to 1930 Hrs. 10 Recreation and socio-cultural programme 1900 Hrs. to 2000 Hrs. 11 Dinner 2000 Hrs. to 2100 Hrs. 12 Review of Day’s Work 2100 Hrs. to 2130 Hrs. 13 Light Off 2200 Hrs. 14. Home Stay In order to promote Inter- faith, Inter-community and Inter-personal understanding, some universities and NSS Units have experimented with the concept of Home Stay by placing NSS volunteers for a few days, volunteer (s) of one religion or community in a local family belonging to a different faiths and communities. This experiment has worked out well and has great educational value. During each special camp, certain number of willing student may be encouraged to undergo this experience for 2/3 day in a host family and share their experiences with the rest of the campers. 15. Joint Camps and State Level Camps (a) Joint Camps : It has been experienced that joint camps involving more than one Institution are not as good as the camps of individual NSS Units in terms of performance. Often joint camps require joint responsibilities and these lead to difficulties in accountability for various things, besides creating difficulties in accounts. The only purpose served by joint camps is that a greater number of Institutions can be involved in the camp. But in this process the performance of each NSS Unit gets diluted. Further, follow up of the programme is also not possible in a joint manner. Hence, it is now decided that joint camps should not be permitted. (b) State level Camps :  While each NSS Under would undertake a project under the Special Camping Programme during vacations depending on the local needs and priorities, some projects of national or regional importance may be undertaken at State level during vacations every year. The State Liaison Officer may coordinate and execute such projects with select volunteer representatives from various NSS Units within the approved pattern of special camping. 16. Publicity Adequate attention should be given for proper publicity of the camps planned/organised at the State/University/College/School and village levels to create an awareness of the importance of this programme in the process of rural reconstruction and development. The programme should be publicised through the Press, Radio, Television, documentaries and other mass media. Information and Public Relation Departments of State Governments should also be requested for assistance in this regard. At the college/+2 level, each NSS unit may prepare a few posters/charts on the campaign in the regional language and display them at suitable places in the village/slum areas to make the desired impact. 17. Reports and Accounts (a) Reports : As soon as the camp is over, a detailed report indicating, inter-alia the location of the camp, the actual number of participants, duration of the camp (including exact dates), activities undertaken during the camp, response of the community, community assets created and the follow-up plan should be sent by the Programme Officer to (a) Programme Coordinator of NSS in the concerned University or +2 Council (b) concerned officer in the State Government and to the (c) concerned NSS Regional Centre. The Programme Coordinator will send a consolidated quarterly report on these camps to all concerned. (b) Accounts : Accounts of the expenditure on the camps should be prepared along with the progress of the camps so that no difficulty is faced by the colleges in the matter of rendering accounts at the close of the year. The universities and +2 Councils may furnish the details of expenditure (audited) on camps to the State Government as soon as they are available from the college/school. Submission of expenditure accounts on time by all levels, is of utmost importance for the smooth flow of Central/State share grants for the implementation of NSS Programme. 18. Follow-up Action Organisation of a camp should not be an end in itself. Before the camp comes to a close, it should be ensured, through the local community, that the assets created will be maintained by the local authorities and/or the community. In case of the Tree Plantation, the trees planted should be nurtured and maintained by the local community. The follow-  up of the camps in the adopted village(s)/slum(s) should be undertaken as one of the regular activities of the NSS unit of the institution concerned. This is necessary to consolidate the achievements of the camps and to instill a confidence in the community. This also implies that the project areas should be adopted villages/slums which are located not far from the colleges so that follow- up becomes easy and possible. While sending the camp report to the University, each college should indicate clearly the follow-up plan of the NSS Unit in respect of the work undertaken during the camp. 19. Evaluation (a) The State, TOC Coordinator and the University/+2 NSS Coordinator should visit the camps to enthuse and encourage the students and guide them wherever necessary. During the camp visit, they should also see that guidelines for the camp have been taken care of. (b) The programme would be evaluated by independent organisations. The names and addresses of the ogranisations will be intimated to the State Governments and Universities in due course. The Universities should intimate to that organisation the names of colleges/+2 school (and other details) which plan camps as soon as they hear from each college. The designated organisation will then send to each college/school, well before the camp starts, a questionnaire to elicit information in various aspects of the camps. The colleges/schools may return the questionnaire duly completed directly to the organisation as soon as the camp is over to enable them to evaluate the camp as it progresses. Chapter – 3 : FINANCIAL PATTERN OF EXPENDITURE FOR SPECIAL CAMPING PROGRAMME 1. Finance The NSS Programme is funded by the Government of India and the State Government. As NSS is an education and service based scheme, adherence to the financial rules at the time of expenditure is very vital. (a) The expenditure on the scheme is being shared by the central and State Governments in the ratio of 7:5 except in the case of state of jammu & Kashmir and the UTs without legislatures in whose case the entire expenditure is met by the Government of India. The expenditure on Special Camping Programme is also shared on the above mentioned basis between the Central and State Governments.  (b) (i) The permissible expenditure for a 10 day camp is Rs. 200/- per camper at present. Therefore, the expenditure on board, lodging, light, water etc. and transport should not exceed Rs. 20/- per day. (ii) Rs. 20/- per camp per day on board and lodging and transport