DR. BAPUJI SALUNKHE INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

National Service Scheme (NSS) Policy

Preamble:

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 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 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 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.

Objectives:

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;
(x) practice national integration and social harmony.

Aims of NSS Programmes/Activities

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:

• 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;
• 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;
• Encouraging students and non-students to work together along with the adults in rural areas;
• 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;
• Emphasizing dignity of labour and self-help and the need for combining physical work with intellectual pursuits;
• Encouraging youth to participate enthusiastically in the process of national development and promote national integration, through corporate living and cooperative action.

Common NSS Activities

NSS activities under BSiET Kolhapur involve student volunteers in community service, focusing on health, education, environment, disaster relief, and skill development, with common projects like tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, blood donation camps, and village adoption for sustained development, all aimed at personality growth and social welfare, mirroring national NSS goals.

• Environmental Conservation:Tree plantation, beach/campus cleaning drives, promoting sustainability.
• Health & Hygiene:Blood donation camps, health awareness campaigns, hygiene promotion.
• Community Development:Village adoption for sustained work, supporting local needs, disaster relief.
• Social Welfare: women empowerment initiatives, promoting national integration.
• Skill Building:Leadership training, organizing events, community engagement.

How MSBTE Institutions Participate

• Polytechnics:Institutions affiliated with MSBTE, such as Thakur Polytechnic, have their own NSS units (e.g., MH 09B45) that organize these activities.
• Focus Areas:Activities often align with national campaigns like “Swachh Bharat,” “International Day of Yoga,” “Kargil Vijay Diwas,” and health awareness drives.
• Guidance:These activities are guided by the National Service Scheme (NSS) Manual and NSS guidelines from the central government.