Govt prepares to use NSS volunteers for emergent situation, seek list of volunteers

March 28: India saw the highest jump in coronavirus or COVID-19 cases on Saturday with 194 patients testing positive for the highly contagious illness in different parts of the country. The total is now 918, which includes 19 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry. Amidst the rising number of corona infected patients, the government is trying to rope in every facility provider to contain the spread of the deadly virus. NITI Aayog too advertised in its website seeking voluntary registration of retired doctors. Even MBBS final year students were involved in Assam to treat corona patients. Now the government is planning to use National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers.

In a message issued by the NSS to every Programme Coordinator, it was informed that, “It is urgently required that the list of Programme Officers may be submitted by the State NSS Officer/ Programme Coordinators to the Deputy Commissioner/ District Magistrate in every district specifying the number of volunteers available with each Programme Officer.” It was learnt that the decision in this regard was taken in the Group of Minister’s meeting at the PMO.

Compliance report in this connection was sought by Saturday evening. As per sources, Programme Coordinator of Assam University, Silchar, Dr. Molankal Gangabhushan Mallesham has also taken cognisance of this instruction and have acted promptly. Almost all affiliated colleges under the jurisdiction of Assam University has got individual NSS unit under a Programme Officer, who directly work under the Programme Coordinator of the varsity.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It provides opportunity to the student youth of 11th & 12th Class of schools at +2 Board level and student youth of Technical Institution, Graduate & Post Graduate at colleges and University level of India to take part in various government led community service activities & programmes. The sole aim of the NSS is to provide hands on experience to young students in delivering community service.