ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

Administrative Structure at National Level

•  Youth Programme like National Service Scheme requires administrative structures at various levels for its successful planning and implementation. Therefore, organizational structures have been envisaged at Central, State, University/+2 and College levels. It is vital for the programme to get support at all the levels and to make sure that the programmes and activities get the required attention :

National Level

1. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, New Delhi and NSS Regional Centres

1. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is the nodal Ministry for NSS and has been given the administrative   responsibility for the Policy Planning, Implementation and Evaluation of NSS programme.
2. National Service Scheme falls under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which is looked after by the Senior Officer of the rank of the Joint Secretary as far as administration and implementation of the programme is concerned.

2. Programme Adviser

•   In the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports a Senior Officer is designated as Programme Adviser. The functions of the Programme Adviser and head of NSS organisation are as under :

1. To advise the Ministry for the development of NSS Programme in all respects.
2. To help the Ministry to plan and implement the NSS programmes :
3. To liaise with the State Governments, Universities and with other organisations which may help in the growth and development of the programme directly or indirectly;
4. To make the arrangements of training of key persons and Programme Officers through the TOCs and TORCs.
5. To make arrangements for the evaluation of NSS from time to time by the TORCs or other suitable agencies; 
6. To encourage Research and Publication work in connection with NSS;
7. To oversee the maintenance of State-wise, University-wise record on implementation of the Programme. 
8. To supervise the functioning of NSS Regional Centre (RCs) set up by the Department in the various regions/States in the country. 

3. Programme Adviser's Cell

•  The Ministry has set up Programme Adviser's Cell to assist the Programme Adviser for implementing, monitoring and evaluating the NSS Programme at various levels. The Programme Adviser's Cell is headed by a Deputy Programme Adviser and a core support staff. The cell also functions as programme monitoring centre for the collection and compilation of data from the states, Universities and NSS Regional Centres and provides this information to the Ministry as feedback. Thus the PA Cell for all practical purpose functions as the NSS Headquarter.

4. NSS Regional Centres.

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has set up  NSS Regional Centes in the country to maintain liaiso0n with the State Governments, Universities, +2 Councils and TOC/TORCs for the effective implementation of NSS Programme.

1. NSS Regional Centre (RC) which is a subordinate field office of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and depending upon the volunteers strength and size of the state, RC is either headed by a Deputy Programme Adviser or an Assistant Programme Adviser. The Deputy Programme Adviser/Assistant Programme Adviser belong to Group-A grade of the Central Government Service.
2. Deputy Programme Adviser/Assistant Programme Adviser who head the Regional Centre are given a core staff for his/her support.
3. Functions of NSS Regional Centres

•   In addition, NSS Regional Centres will function in close coordination with TOCs/TORCs and State Liaison Cells. The functions of the NSS Regional Centres with reference to the State Governments, Universities and TOC/TORCs are as under

Responsibility and Accountability 

1.  As the NSS Regional Centres are subordinate field offices of the Ministry, it is their main responsibility to ensure the implementation of NSS and other Youth Programmes as per the spirit and letter of the manual and guidelines issued by the Government of India from time to time.
2.  It is the duty of the heads of the Regional Centres to explain the Government polices, without any fear and favour in the discharge of their duties, particularly furnishing elaboration and explanation to the universities and colleges. Heads of Regional Centres cannot remain silent under the pressure of universities and/or State.

(a) State Government

1. To explain the policies of the Ministry regarding NSS and other Youth Programme to the State Governments, for the successful implementation of NSS and other Youth Programmes.
2. To strive for removal of bottlenecks in the implementation of NSS Programme in the field.
3. To ensure that the grants including central and state share reach the Universities, colleges and schools in time, so that NSS activities are implemented as per time schedule.
4. The NSS Regional Centre will keep the State Governments informed of the recent developments in different aspects of NSS and the Youth Programme of Government of India for their implementation as and when required.
5. Remain in touch with State government officials for expediting accounts and other reports.
6. Collaborate with the State Liaison Officer for proper implementation of NSS Programme and timely action.

State NSS Cell

1. At the State level, there will be a State NSS Cell headed by the State Liaison Officer (SLO). The Government of India extends cent percent financial assistance for establishing the State NSS Cell.
2. 1.1  Functions of the State NSS Cell

The main functions of the State NSS Cell are :-

1. To ensure, that budgetary provisions are made for NSS programme in the State budget;
2. Timely allocation of NSS st4rength to respective Universities in the State.
3. Timely release of grants to Universities and colleges/+2 councils.
4. Submission of accounts, statements and programme reports to Government of India.
5. Convening of meetings of State NSS Advisory Committee from time to time.
6. Monitoring of the programme through Universities/+2 councils and in consultation with NSS Regional Centre.
7. Coordinating with development agencies and departments for NSS programme development in the state.

Administrative Structure at University Level

• The National Service Scheme covers students at the level of higher education. Thus the administrative structures of the higher education have the responsibility of looking after NSS and its implementation at college/school/universities level. The successful functioning of NSS cell at University level will give impetus for proper implementation of NSS in the unit level.
• NSS University Cell:Every University should have an NSS Cell to supervise and coordinate NSS Programme in Colleges affiliated to it.

1. The Universities having strength of more than 10000 NSS volunteers should have full time programme coordinators. The Universities having strength of less than 10000 NSS volunteers may have part time programme coordinators.
2. NSS being an academic extension programme the University will provide necessary infrastructure and other facilities like telephone, office and office equipment and secretarial assistance for the smooth functioning of the cell.
3. The cell will function under the Vice-Chancellor, the Programme Coordinator, NSS will be incharge of the cell and the main executive functionary.

Programme Coordinator

•  The Programme Coordinator is the key functionary as far as NSS is concerned. Therefore, a dedicated and devoted Programme Coordinator can plan, execute and evaluate the NSS activities in a proper perspective. The Programme Coordinator will execute all administrative and policy directives of the government, decisions of the State Advisory Committee and University Advisory Committee. The NSS programme will be prepared in the light of the guidelines issued by the Government of India.

2.1  Term/Tenure of the Programme Coordinato

• The Programme Coordinator will be appointed on deputation/short term contract for the period of three years extendable by one year further. No Programme Coordinator will be appointed on Permanent basis.

2.2  Functions of the Programme Coordinators

• (a) To assist and guide the NSS unit for implementation of NSS programmes at  college level.
• (b) To help in organising camps, training and orientation programmes for the NSS leaders.
• (c) To visit the NSS units for monitoring and evaluation.
• (d) To ensure implementation of NSS Regular activities and special camping  programmes.
• (e) To ensure timely release of grants to colleges.
• (f) To submit the reports and returns to Programme Adviser, Regional Centre, State Liaison Officer and ETIs.
• (g) To ensure selection of new Programme Officers as per guidelines and ensure their orientation within the stipulated period.
• (h) To submit half yearly reports and other information required to Government of India, Regional Directorate and State NSS Officer on the prescribed proforma.
• (i)  To have liaison with Regional Directorate and State NSS Officer and ETIs for the implementation of NSS programme.
• (j)  To bring out documents and reports on the achievements of NSS.
• (i) To present the views of the Ministry and if advised bys the State Government, the view of the State Government, in the University Advisory Committees and to the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities, Principals of the Colleges, other persons connected with NSS Programmes;
• (ii) To assist in preparation of NSS Programmes, including Special Camping Programmes, in conformity with the policies and guidelines;
• (iii)To keep the Vice-Chancellors and  heads of +2 Councils apprised of the state of the   programme in their respective Universities and Colleges/institutions;
•  
• (iv)        To take steps to see that funds are released in time by the University to the college;
• (v)        To visit different NSS units and camps for supervision, consultancy, guidance etc
• (vi)       The ensure that the NSS programme is implemented as per NSS manual and administrative instructions issued by the Government of India from time to time. Deviation from the established policies may be brought to the notice of the Ministryand the Programme Adviser.
• (c)       ETIs and Evaluating Agencies

• Orientation and training of persons attached with NSS being a vital input for sustaining its dynamism in universities, colleges and +2 schools, it is necessary that the various facts of the programme are studied, understood and evaluated. The NSS Regional Directorates have to play their role in this sphere mainly :-
• (i)         To observe the organisation of orientation training, research and evaluation and other activities in these institutions;
• (ii)         To visit the training programmes whenever possible and advise the ETIs on policies and guidelines;
• (iii)         To function as a resource person in the orientation and training programme;
• (iv)         To help the ETIs in the evaluation of regular and special camping programme;
• (v)         To report the progress of the ETIs as member of the Training Advisory Committee.
•  Administrative Structure at Institution Level
• The unit at college/+2 level is the grass-root unit in NSS. The organisation keeps contact with the community, administration, student youth and teaching faculty through this unit only. Therefore, the organisation and management of NSS unit are of vital significance.

1. NSS Unit

• An institution will be allotted NSS units according to the strength of students. The number of units will be allotted by the Programme Coordinator  in consultation with NSS Regional Directorate and State NSS Officer considering the demands of the institution. It is expected that the institution will provide necessary facilities for the successful running of the NSS unit because it is a part of the institution i.e. college or school.
•  1.1 The strength of a unit will be 100 NSS volunteers normally. The strength of the NSS unit can be extended upto 120 volunteers in exceptional cases where second unit cannot be raised due to constraints. It is always preferable that a separate unit is started instead of enrolling more NSS volunteers.
• 1.1  In exceptional cases where the total strength of students enrolled is very small, a smaller NSS unit can be started with the strength of 75 NSS volunteers.

2. Enrollment of NSS Volunteers

•           At college level the NSS volunteers will be enrolled from the first and second year degree-class students. Preference should be given to the students who have worked as NSS volunteers at +2 level also.
• 2.1 Students belonging to minority communities, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes should be encouraged to participate in NSS. They should be given due representation where more students desire to join NSS.
• 2.2  In co-educational colleges the girls should be motivated to join NSS.
• 2.3  The students from foreign countries studying in Indian universities should also be encouraged to join NSS so that they may share the experiences of national reconstruction and community work.
• 2.4  NCC cadets will not be allowed to join NSS. Similarly NSS volunteers will not participate in NCC or any other youth organisation as long as they are in NSS. Same restriction will apply to the NSS Programme Officers also.

3. Programme Officers

•           One Programme Officer will be incharge of one unit only.
• 3.1 Only those belonging to the teaching faculty will be considered for appointment as Programme Officer.
• 3.2  Programme Officer will be responsible for the organisation of NSS unit, implementation of NSS programme under the supervision and direction of Principal of the college or head of the institution.
• 3.3 The Programme Officer will be responsible to carry out the instructions issued by the Programme Coordinator  of the University, NSS Regional Directorate and State NSS Officer for the implementation of NSS activities as per the NSS Manual, programme guidelines and administrative and policy directives.
• 3.4 There shall not be any clash between the instructions issued by the NSS Regional Directorate or State NSS Officer or Programme Coordinator  as these instructions are to be based on NSS Manual/Programme guidelines or administrative or policy directives issued by the Government of India.
• PROGRAMME OFFICER – APPOINTMENT, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
•           The Programme Officer is expected to motivate student youth to understand the values and philosophy of NSS. The overall functions of Programme Officer is to help the students to plan, implement, and evaluate the activities of NSS under his/her charge and give proper guidance and directions to the student volunteers.

1. To discharge his/her obligations under NSS Programme the Programme Officer plays the role of an organiser, an educator, a coordinator, a supervisor, an administrator, and public relation officer to improve the quality and magnitude of NSS programme in his/her institution. His/her functions can be stated as under :-

• (a)  As an Organizer
• (i)  To interpret the scheme to the students and other members of the college community and create awareness about the scheme;
• (ii) To Motivate, recruit and select student for NSS work;
• (iii) To enlist cooperation and coordination of community agencies, government departments and non-governmental agencies; and
•  (iv) To select service projects on the basis of utility an feasibility.
• (b)   As an Educator
• (i) To prepare orientation programme for NSS volunteers, explain them about the concept of social service, and teach them methods and skills required for achieving the objectives of the scheme;
• (ii)  To promote community education through meetings, talks, news bulletins discussions etc.; and
• (iii) To help in formulating NSS programmes which will have direct relationship with the academic curricula
• (c)  As a Coordinator
• (i)   To coordinate NSS activities in accordance with the students ability and community demands.
• (ii)  To coordinate internal resources available in the form of teaching expertise of teachers for enhancing the knowledge and skills of the students in implementation of the scheme; and
• (iii)  To coordinate various external resources available in the forms of government services; welfare agencies and voluntary bodies for the success of the NSS programme.
• (d)  As a Supervisor
• (i)  To assist students to learn how to do their jobs. His/her supervisory and consultative skills should enable students to set realistic goals and see problems as challenge and take appropriate steps to solve them.
• (ii)  To assist in evaluation and follow-up work.
• (e) As an Administrator
• (i)  To keep the Principal, College Advisory Committee  and the Programme Coordinator  of the University informed of the activities of the unit;
• (ii)  To run day-to-day administration of the programme;
• (iii) To attend correspondence regularly;
• (iv)  To maintain record of students participation and activities undertaken;
•  (v)  To prepare progress report periodically for submission to college/school and university;
• (vi)  To keep accounts and stock in the prescribed forms; and
• (vii)  To prepare annual calendar of activities to be undertaken.
•  (f)   As a Public Relation Person  
• (i)    To inform the community about the scheme through press reports, radio and television programmes, pamphlets, seminars and speaker's forums.
• (ii)  To initiate IEC campaigns for image building of NSS in order to inspire and motivate the students and community.

2. Selection of the Programme Officer

•           The selection of the Programme Officer will be made by the Principal of the institution in consultation with the Programme Coordinator  of the respective university/+2 level.
• 2.1 Qualification
• (i)  Programme Officer will be selected from the members of teaching faculty only.
• (ii)  NCC Officers and Physical Education Directors should not be appointed as NSS Programme Officer.
• (iii) In women college/girls schools a lady teacher should be appointed as Programme Officer. However, male members may help the lady Programme Officer.
• (iv)  A teacher who has high level of, motivation, inclination and aptitude for community work and above all very good report with students should be preferred as Programme Officer.
• 2.2. Tenure
•           The maximum period for which a teacher is appointed as Programme Officer will be 3 years in the first instance. However, this period is extendible upto 4th year, on the basis of the review of his/her performance by the Principal and Programme Coordinator.
•  3.Training/Orientation
•           The Programme Officer will be sent for orientation course within 3 months of his/her selection. The Programme Officer must undergo the orientation training within one year of the date of his/her selection in case the orientation is not conducted in the stipulated period of 3 months.
• 3.1 The Principal of the institution will intimate to the Programme Coordinator, NSS Regional Directorate and ETIs concerned regarding the selection of the Programme Officer and necessary arrangement of the orientation of the selected Programme Officer. The Principal will also ensure that the Programme Officer is relieved for participation in orientation training organised by ETIs. Similarly, the Programme Officer is expected to attend refresher course after every two years and it is the obligation of the head of the institution to relieve the Programme Officer for this purpose.
• 3.2  If the selected Programme Officer does not undergo the orientation training for any reason within one year from the date of his/her selection, he/she will cease to function as Programme Officers and another person will be selected and given training in time. No Programme Officer without orientation will continue to work as Programme Officer if he/she is not trained within the stipulated period.
• Special emphasis in National Policy on Education, 1986 (Revised 1992).

4. 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.
• 5.1 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)
• 5.2  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.

5. 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.