Bhubaneswar, 18 July (H.S.): In a significant move to enhance youth engagement and promote women’s participation in the armed forces, the Higher Education Department of the Government of Odisha has proposed the establishment of five new women National Cadet Corps (NCC) battalions across the state.

This proposal is part of a larger expansion strategy aimed at strengthening the presence and impact of the NCC in Odisha, with a special focus on empowering girl students through leadership training, skill development, and nation-building activities.

The department has formally approached the Director of NCC Odisha, Colonel Satyabrata Swain, seeking a detailed report on the necessary groundwork, human resource requirements, and a feasible timeline for operationalizing the proposed battalions. The state government has assured full administrative and financial support for the establishment and maintenance of these units.

Currently, Odisha has approximately 63,000 NCC cadets. With the proposed expansion, the government aims to increase this number to 90,000, significantly boosting participation, particularly among young women.

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, in a letter to the NCC Director, has requested a comprehensive proposal outlining district-wise or region-wise deployment plans, infrastructure and training needs, manpower requirements, and a projected implementation schedule. The proposal is expected to guide the structured roll-out of the new battalions and facilitate effective coordination between stakeholders.

The initiative underscores Odisha’s commitment to youth development and gender inclusivity within the framework of national service.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda