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Chennai, Nov 4 (IANS) Polytechnic colleges in Tamil Nadu have achieved a remarkable feat, registering the highest National Service Scheme (NSS) enrollment among students in the country.
Officials attribute this to the active participation of youth volunteers and constant encouragement from the Directorate of Technical Education (DOTE).
NSS is a flagship initiative of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which enables students to participate in various community service and nation-building activities. The scheme, introduced in polytechnic institutions of Tamil Nadu during 1983–84, started modestly with only 10 colleges and 1,000 student volunteers. This program has grown rapidly over the past decades.
“Today, NSS units operate in 335 polytechnic colleges with 45,500 registered volunteers, the highest among polytechnic institutions across India,” said a senior DoTE official.
Between 2000 and 2004, NSS participation grew rapidly, with 20,765 students enrolled in the scheme. The official said that “over the last five years (2019-2025), more than 45,000 students have joined, which demonstrates a new enthusiasm among the youth to contribute to the society.”
He said that NSS continues to act as “a transformational platform for shaping character and behaviour, molding students into socially responsible citizens”.
The NSS framework in Tamil Nadu has also been instrumental in promoting awareness on HIV/AIDS and related health issues, setting up Red Ribbon Clubs (RRCs) in 250 polytechnic colleges.
Over the years, the state has earned several national awards for its effective implementation of the scheme and integrating service with skill-based education.
NSS volunteers in Tamil Nadu engage in a wide spectrum of community-oriented programs – tree plantation drives, health education campaigns, disaster management workshops, road safety and first aid training, women self-employment initiatives and technical training for rural youth.
“More than 90 per cent of these activities have achieved their intended targets due to the active participation and commitment of NSS volunteers,” the official said.
From shaping leadership qualities to fostering empathy and civic awareness, Polytechnic students of Tamil Nadu continue to prove that service learning can go hand in hand with technical education – creating not only skilled professionals but also compassionate citizens.
–IANS
AL/DPB