State-level NSS Review Meeting Emphasizes Student Empowerment through Service

Bhubaneswar: A comprehensive review meeting of the State-level National Service Scheme (NSS) took place today at the Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Auditorium of Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. The meeting saw the participation of key stakeholders, including the Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University, Prof. Sabita Acharya, NSS Regional Director Ajit Kushwaha, State NSS Officer-cum-Higher Education Deputy Secretary Ramesh Chandra Behera, NSS Officers, District Program Officers, and Office Assistants from 22 colleges and universities across the state.

Professor Sabita Acharya, addressing the attendees, underscored the vital role NSS plays in instilling a sense of service among students. She praised the active engagement and commendable working style of the NSS wing at Utkal University.

State NSS Officer and Deputy Secretary Higher Education, Ramesh Chandra Behera, emphasized the effective functioning of NSS wings in all universities and colleges across the state. He urged for a more service-oriented approach in the coming days and emphasized the need to efficiently utilize funds provided to NSS, such as PFMS and ZBSA, within the academic year to empower students. These funds can be utilized for various programs, including tree plantation, blood donation, cleanliness campaigns, special camps, environmental protection, anti-drug campaigns, and more. Training sessions have been conducted for district program officers and office assistants to address challenges during fund utilization.

NSS Regional Director, Ajit Kushwaha, encouraged program officers from districts to enhance the effectiveness of the 1241 NSS units, comprising over 124,000 volunteers in educational institutions under the Higher Education Department in the state. He highlighted the potential for Odisha to achieve excellence at the national level by maximizing the impact of NSS initiatives. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to fostering student empowerment through dedicated service initiatives.