The university has been a pioneer in introducing NCC as a generic elective subject at the undergraduate level. NCC has been integrated into the curriculum with commensurate credit points since 2013-14 academic sessions. Inculcation of NCC into the fold of curricular learning at the university syncs with NEP 2020, which aims at getting rid of rigid compartmentalization in the varied educational experiences of a student.
The adoption of NCC as a subject has rendered it a popular extra-curricular activity. This is reflected in the large number of cadets who have been selected and represented the university at national-level camps. A cadet from the university has been selected as Country Ambassador for the prestigious Youth Exchange Programme enhancing the image of the university at the International Forum. They have brought laurels at state and national levels and made the university proud. It has also instituted a cash prize for Best NCC Cadet, which is awarded annually to encourage and motivate other students.
A dedicated Board of Studies of NCC has prepared the syllabus as GE course at the undergraduate level. All students from Arts, Commerce and Science opt for NCC as a general elective. The syllabus includes major parts of the syllabus that forms the basis of the NCC certificate examinations conducted by the NCC Directorate for the award of NCC ‘B’ and ‘C’ certificates. Consequently, the cadets are educated and trained throughout the semesters and are adequately prepared to successfully clear the NCC ‘B’ and ‘C’ certificate examinations. Having NCC as a curricular subject also serves to address the concerns regarding its impact on academic results of a student because of the time devoted to the pursuit of an extracurricular activity. Provisions have been made in the examination regulations of the university to make allowances for shortage in attendance, missed Mid-Semester and end -semester examinations of NCC cadets due to participation in various NCC camps. Unlike other students’, cadets do not lose distinction for re-appearing at an examination.
A committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor by Odisha State Higher Education Council in 2022 to suggest a plan for state-wide implementation of NCC as a generic elective at the UG level and finalize its curriculum. On the recommendations of the committee, the Higher Education Department, Govt. of Odisha has approved the proposal. Recently, the university has participated in framing a syllabus for NCC based on NEP 2020.
The NCC syllabus and the Institutional NCC training programmes are coordinated by a faculty member who has completed the pre-commission course and been appointed as an Associate NCC Officer (ANO).
NCC at the university also facilitates enrolment of students at other nearby higher education institutes including affiliated colleges that lack NCC units providing those students an opportunity to avail NCC as an extracurricular activity. In this context, ten percent of the sanctioned institutional strength, i.e., 15 students, enrolled as open vacancy cadets extending the reach of NCC.
NCC has promoted a holistic development of students of the university with thrust on personality development, leadership, teamwork, life skills, etiquettes, communication skills. These are in complete alignment with recent curriculum and guidelines issued by UGC (Jeevan Kaushal 2.0). This enriched curriculum imbibes students with competence that help them in successfully navigating the challenges of life. Enrolling in NCC also provides a platform for our students to showcase their talents and shine in filed like art (painting, poster, sketch), cultural activities (classical dance, folk dance, group song), debate, writing (essay, poem, slogan) competitions that are routinely held in every camp to boost their confidence. NCC cadets regularly conduct and participate regularly in awareness campaigns for Swachha Bharat Abhiyan, Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, Lifestyle for Environment, Road Traffic Safety, Suicide Prevention, Consumer Rights, Fit India, among others, to sensitize students, public and local community to these socially important issues. Within the campus cadets help guide and aid visually- impaired students at the university and serve as their scribes during examinations. Cadets actively participate in the observation of Republic Day, Netaji Jayanti, Shaheed Diwas, Independence Day, Vijay Diwas and commemorate the sacrifices of martyrs.
NCC volunteers are a vibrant and dynamic part of the university and have high visibility in all major university functions. Their yeoman service has contributed to smooth organization of events hosted at the university like the Convocation, Foundation Day, Inter-university Hockey Tournament, Rojgar Mela etc. where they pilot dignitaries, receive guests, maintain discipline, distribute refreshments and control crowds. Their work has been recognized and appreciated by outside collaborators and organizers too. NCC instills patriotism in the cadets, imparts moral values to them and inspires them with ideals of self-less service. Students who enroll in NCC molded as confident, self-reliant, and empowered young women, who acquire the stench to succeed in all walks of life, become distinguished alumna of the university and ideal citizens of the country.
Rama Devi Women's University Vidya Vihar,PO:Bhoinagar Bhubaneswar,751022,Odisha,India Phone No. : 0674-2542644 Email:registrar(at)rdwu(dot)ac(dot)in
