Lok Sabha Question No. 3688 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: NSS impact on Youth Development
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Dr. Indra Hang Subba

## Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Department of Youth Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3688 TO BE ANSWERED ON 16.3.2026

NSS Impact on Youth Development

3688. DR INDRA HANG SUBBA:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  number  of  students  engaged  under  National  Service  Scheme (NSS) across the country during the last three years and the current year;

(b) the number of students engaged in Sikkim during the said period, year-wise;

(c) whether the funds allocated for the programmes under NSS is being allocated in proportionate to the number of participants and if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to help the students' holistic development and appreciating the diversity of the country; and

(e)  whether  the  Government  have  any  mechanism  to  evaluate  the impact of NSS programmes in the society and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA]

- (a)    the  number of students engaged under National Service Scheme (NSS) across the country during the last three years and the current year are as follows:
- (b) The number of students engaged in Sikkim during the said period, year-wise are as follows :
- (c)  Yes,  the  fund  allocated  for  the  programmes  under  NSS  is  being allocated in proportionate to the number of participants. NSS Grants are sanctioned  @Rs.400  per  volunteer  per  year  for  Regular  Camping Activities and @Rs.700 per volunteer per year (for 50% of NSS strength) for Special Camping  Activities as approved by DoE'  OM  dated 08.09.2021.
- (d)  The  Government,  through  the  National  Service  Scheme  (NSS), undertakes various initiatives to promote the holistic development of youth  and  to  foster  appreciation  of  the  country's  diversity.  These include:
1. Community  Service  and  Social  Engagement:  NSS  volunteers participate  in  activities  such  as  health  and  sanitation  drives, environmental conservation, literacy campaigns, disaster management, and rural development, which help inculcate social responsibility, leadership, and empathy.

| YEAR    | Number of Student engaged across country   |
|---------|--------------------------------------------|
| 2022-23 | 38,57,364                                  |
| 2023-24 | 38,49,847                                  |
| 2024-25 | 38,74,162                                  |
| 2025-26 | 38,81,256                                  |

| YEAR    |   Number of Student Engaged in Sikkim |
|---------|---------------------------------------|
| 2022-23 |                                 16400 |
| 2023-24 |                                 16400 |
| 2024-25 |                                 16400 |
| 2025-26 |                                 16400 |

2. Special Camping Programmes: NSS organizes seven-day special camps  in adopted villages and urban communities, where volunteers engage in intensive community development activities and gain exposure to grassroots realities.
2. In the NE Region, the North East NSS Festival is organized every year to bring together NSS volunteers from different North Eastern States.  The  festival  provides  a  platform  for  cultural  exchange, youth  interaction,  and  sharing  of  best  practices  in  community service,  thereby  strengthening  the  spirit  of  national  integration
3. and mutual understanding among the youth
4. Programmes: Programmes  such  as  National  Integration  Camps  (NICs),  North East  Youth  Festivals  bring  together  volunteers  from  different States  and  Union  Territories,  promoting  mutual  understanding,
4. National Integration and Youth Exchange cultural exchange, and national unity.
5. Skill Development and Capacity Building: NSS conducts orientation programmes, leadership training, personality development sessions, and workshops that enhance the life skills, communication abilities, and civic awareness of student volunteers.
7. Observance of National and International Days: NSS units actively participate  in  events  such  as  International  Yoga  Day,  Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Fit India Movement, and International Women's Day, helping students understand social issues and participate in
6. nation-building activities.

Through  these  initiatives,  NSS  aims  to  develop  the  personality  and character of student youth through voluntary community service and to strengthen the spirit of national integration.

- (e) Yes, the Government has mechanisms in place to monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of NSS programmes. These include:

1. Periodic  Reporting  System:  NSS  units  submit  regular  activity reports through their respective Programme Officers to the State NSS Cells and Regional Directorates, which review the progress and outcomes of programmes.
2. Monitoring by Regional Directorates: Regional Directorates of NSS conduct  field  visits,  inspections,  and  review  meetings  with universities, colleges, and State NSS  Cells to assess the implementation and impact of NSS activities.
3. Programme  Reviews  and  Evaluations:  The  Ministry  periodically conducts review meetings, evaluation studies, and consultations with stakeholders, including universities and experts, to assess the effectiveness of NSS programmes.
4. Documentation  of  Best  Practices:  Successful  initiatives  and innovative activities undertaken by NSS units are documented and shared to encourage replication and enhance programme impact.
5. Awards and Recognition: The National Service Scheme Awards at the National, State, and  University levels also  serve as a mechanism  to  recognize  impactful  work  and  promote  quality implementation of NSS activities.

These mechanisms help ensure accountability, effective implementation, and continuous improvement of NSS programmes while assessing  their  contribution  to  community  development  and  youth engagement.

*****