NCC cadets to get DGCA-recognised drone training and cyber security lessons, says Director General
NCC Director General Lt Gen Virendra Vats said cadets are being trained in drones and cyber security to prepare them for future technology challenges and jobs.
New technology skills are being added to National Cadet Corps (NCC) training to help cadets face future technological challenges. Cadets are being given drone training recognised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with lessons in cyber security. NCC Director General Lieutenant General Virendra Vats shared this on Wednesday.
Lt Gen Vats visited the NCC Group Headquarters in Pune, where he reviewed various activities and training arrangements. Major General Vivek Tyagi, Additional Director General of the Maharashtra Directorate, was present. Addressing cadets at a training camp, Lt Gen Vats urged them to adopt the values of discipline, leadership, selfless service and responsible citizenship.
Besides drones and cyber security, emphasis is also being laid on disaster management, leadership, personality development, medical thinking and social responsibility. The aim is for cadets to become responsible citizens and also be ready for future employment opportunities.
Lt Gen Vats said technology is changing, and so are the needs of the times ahead. It is therefore necessary to teach modern skills alongside traditional military training. Drone use is set to grow in many sectors, including farming, transport and defence, which is why cadets are being trained in it. Cyber security training is being delivered through the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT). He said these skills will familiarise cadets with new technology and improve their employability.
Only 3 to 5 per cent of time for parade: According to Lt Gen Vats, parade gets only three to five per cent of NCC's total training time. The rest goes to military skills along with social service, community development, leadership, personality development and medical thinking. NCC is therefore being seen not merely through the lens of discipline and parade, but as a platform for the all-round development of youth. Campaigns such as Nasha Mukt Bharat, Kshay Rog Mukt Bharat, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and disaster management connect cadets with social issues. NCC cadets have also been given the chance to take part in the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme.
Cadet numbers up from 13 lakh to 20 lakh in 12 years: The number of NCC cadets in the country has risen from 13 lakh to 20 lakh over the past 12 years. Emphasis is also being laid on giving women cadets as many opportunities as possible. Although many educational institutions are waiting to start NCC units, Lt Gen Vats made clear that the focus for now is on strengthening existing arrangements and raising training quality rather than simply expanding. He also praised Maharashtra's women NCC cadets, who won the All India Best Cadet honour at the Prime Minister's Rally for three years in a row.
