NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME:

• Indian government-sponsored
• Public service program
• By Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• Launched in Gandhiji’s Centenary year in 1969.
• FACT – The University Grants Commission (UGC) headed by Dr. Radhakrishnan recommended introd
• uction of national service 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.

NSS AWARDS :

• Instituted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in 1993-94
• On the occasion of Silver Jubilee Year of National Service Scheme
• Aim – Recognise and reward outstanding contributions towards voluntary community service made by the Universities/ Colleges, (+2) Councils and Senior Secondary, NSS Units/ Programme Officers and NSS Volunteers

What is in news : The President of India presented the National Service Scheme Awards for the year 2019-20