New Delhi, 03 January (H.S.): The National Cadet Corps (NCC) announced plans on Saturday to train 1 lakh cadets as first responders for natural disasters, equipping India's youth with critical skills to support national emergencies.

NCC Director General Lieutenant General Virendra Vats made the revelation during a press conference at Delhi Cantonment, emphasizing the organization's expanding role in disaster mitigation and modern technology integration.

Disaster Response Initiative

The specialized cadets, to be designated as Yuva Apda Mitras (Youth Disaster Mitigators), will undergo rigorous training tailored to natural calamities such as floods, earthquakes, and cyclones prevalent across disaster-prone regions of India.

Lt Gen Vats stated that these trainees will be integrated into a centralized national database, enabling swift mobilization of their services whenever required by state or central authorities.

This initiative builds on the NCC's longstanding tradition of community service, transforming cadets into a ready pool of volunteers capable of immediate deployment.

Drone and Counter-Drone Training Hubs

In parallel, the NCC has initiated efforts to establish four to five specialized hubs nationwide for advanced training in drone operations and counter-drone tactics. Select cadets will receive hands-on instruction at these facilities, aligning with the growing emphasis on unmanned aerial systems in defense and civilian applications.

This follows recent milestones, including the first batch of Master Drone Instructors trained at the Officers Training Academy in Nagpur, and reflects broader military trends post-Operation Sindoor.

Cyber Warriors and Broader Expansion

Lt Gen Vats further disclosed plans to develop 10,000 cadets as cyber warriors, addressing the increasing weaponization of the cyber domain amid rising digital threats. These efforts complement the NCC's growth into the world's largest uniformed youth organization, now boasting over 20 lakh cadets across 713 districts, with enhanced female participation targeting up to 40% intake.

Recent visits by the DG to directorates like Maharashtra and Karnataka-Goa underscore focus areas such as infrastructure upgrades, technology infusion, and holistic cadet development.

The announcements coincide with the ongoing NCC Republic Day Camp 2026 at Cariappa Parade Ground, where 2,406 cadets—including 898 girls—are participating, with parade commanders set to carry swords for the first time. Lt Gen Vats urged cadets to embody discipline, leadership, and selfless service, preparing them as future leaders for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar