Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Aug 25: Home minister, Dr G Parameshwar, said that matters like making it mandatory for all college students to join National Service Scheme (NSS) and fixing of quotas for NSS students for admission into professional and higher education courses would be considered.

Speaking to media persons after holding meeting at Vikasa Soudha with senior officials, vice chancellors and coordinators of the scheme about the activities to be undertaken under the said scheme on Friday August 24, Parameshwar revealed that many told him that only children of poor and middle class join NSS and the rich class children stay away from it. "Joining NSS makes student aware about various things pertaining to rural India. When the students go up in life, their experiences as NSS volunteers helps them in various ways. Therefore we will consider making it compulsory for college students to join NSS," he explained.

Parameshwar expressed the view that in tune with the changing time, NSS activities need to be modified in various ways. He pointed out legal awareness, awareness about different cultures, skill development, employment potential etc should be provided to the students. He said that a committee of experts would be formed to recommend the kinds of schemes which should be added under NSS.

The minister said that those who have been trained by NSS have been sent from districts like Mysuru, Bengaluru and Mangaluru to undertake relief works in Kodagu, which has been devastated by floods. In reply to a question, he clarified that if the need is felt, more would be deputed there.