The  National Service Scheme owes its origin to the philosophy of   Mahatma Gandhi, who believed that  the  first duty of the students was  not to treat their period of study as an  opportunity for intellectual luxury, but to  prepare themselves for final dedication in the service of society.  In the  post-independence era, the University Grants Commission headed by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan recommended introduction of National Service Scheme in the academic institutions on a voluntary basis with a view to developing healthy contacts between the students and teachers on the one hand and establishing a constructive linkage between the campus and the community on the other hand.

 The idea was  considered by policy makers and committees like the  Central Advisory Board of Education (1950), National Service Committee (1959) and the The Education Commission headed by Dr. D.S.Kothari (1964-66). In 1958, the then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his letter to the Chief Ministers,  had also mooted the idea of having social service as a prerequisite for graduation. The Education Ministers’ Conference of 1959 ,  the Vice Chancellors’ Conference of 1967 and the Conference of Student Representatives of the universities and institutions of higher learning convened by the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission also unanimously declared that national service could be a powerful instrument for national integration.  And, finally, on September 24, Gandhi Centenary year (1969), the Union Education Minister Dr.V.K.R.V.Rao, launched the NSS programme in 37 universities covering all states.

The NSS is a national development task, organized by the students. Besides, the students gain work-experience which might help them to find avenues of self-employment or employment in any organization at the end of their university career.  The initial financial arrangements provided for an expenditure of Rs. 120/- per NSS student per annum to be shared by the Central and the State Governments in the ratio of 7.5 i.e the Central Government spending Rs.70/- and State Government Rs. 50/- respectively per NSS student per year.    Keeping the inflation in view, it is now under consideration to revise the amount for Special Camping and Regular activities. The response of students to the scheme has been quite encouraging.  Starting with an enrollment of 40,000 students in 1969, the coverage of NSS students, increased to about 26 lakhs in 2006.

 Indira Gandhi Award

Sandeep S., of N.S.S College

Cherthala, who  has won the

Indira Gandhi Award for the Best Student Volunteer.

 National Service Scheme in the University of Kerala

The University of Kerala has a volunteer strength of 21500 in 92 colleges.  These volunteers are led by 215 Programme Officers under the guidance of Prof. B. Sreekumar, Programme Coordinator. NSS being a value based volunteer programme,  has always remained close to the  burning  issues that affect the society. NSS volunteers have always come into the forefront to extend voluntary service during natural calamities like Drought, Flood, Cyclone, Earthquake and Tsunami.

  " I am really proud to be a volunteer.

Entry into NSS made me aware of social responsibilities and it helped in the development of my character. It was NSS that enabled me to take part in the Republic Day Camp – the most unforgettable days in my life. Students from different parts of our country lived like a big family there. NSS helped  me a lot understand the world, people, their problems etc."

SOJA SREENIVASAN, BJM COLLEGE, CHAVARA, who won the Best NSS Volunteer Award , 2009.

"A teacher’s role does not end with class room teaching; it should be a combination of teaching, research and extension. If we want to do something worth while to the student community as well as society through extension service, the National Service Scheme is the best choice."

Dr. A Shaji, NSS Programme Officer, SN College,
Chempazhanthy, who won the Award for the best NSS Programme Officer, 2009.