New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) The National Cadet Corps (NCC), Headquarters Directorate General, has approved the creation of independent state directorates in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, increasing the total number of state units in the country from 17 to 19, said an official on Monday.

Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering the youth, the decision will help more young people develop into confident, capable and socially committed citizens prepared to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress, said the official from the Ministry of Defence.

The establishment of independent state directorates in Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand will bring the NCC closer to the cadets and educational institutions it serves, the official said in a statement.

The new administrative structure will enable more focused coordination, improved supervision and enhanced support for training and developmental activities, it said

It will also provide greater opportunities for the youth of these states through improved training infrastructure and support mechanisms.

Established in 1948 with an initial strength of 20,000 cadets, NCC has grown into the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation with over 20 lakh cadets.

The organisation has witnessed an increase of 6 lakh cadets between 2014 and 2025 and is currently present in more than 750 districts across the country.

With renewed administrative strength, the organisation continues to shape responsible citizens and contribute towards building a stronger, more capable and Viksit Bharat, said the statement.

Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described NCC cadets as the nation’s second line of defence, calling upon youth to draw inspiration from their vital role in raising public awareness when mock drills were conducted across the country during Operation Sindoor.

“As the world is going through a period of uncertainty, our youth must remain physically, mentally and emotionally strong and be prepared to take on every challenge,” said Rajnath Singh while addressing the cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp in Delhi.

–IANS

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