Introduction

The overall aim of National Service Scheme as envisaged earlier, is to give an extension dimension to the higher education system and orient the student youth to community service while they are studying in educational institution. The reason for the formulation of this objective is the general realisation that the college and +2 level students have a tendency to get alienated from the village/slum masses which constitute the majority of the population of the country. The educated youth who are expected to take the reins of administration in future are found to be unaware of the problems of the village/slum community and in certain cases are indifferent towards their needs and problems. Therefore it is necessary to arouse the social conscience of the students, and to provide them an opportunity to work with the people in the villages and slums. It is felt that their interaction with the common villagers and slum dwellers will expose them to the realities of life and bring about a change in their social perception.

Objectives

The broad objectives of NSS are to :
• To understand the community in which they work;
• To understand themselves in relation to their community;
• To Identify the needs and problems of the community and involve them in problem solving process;
• To develop among themselves a sense of social and civic responsibility.
• To utilize their knowledge in finding practical solution to individual and community problems;
• To develop competence required for group-living and sharing of responsibilities;
• To gain skills in mobilising community participation
• To acquire leadership qualities and democratic attitude;
• To develop capacity to meet emergencies, natural disasters, practice national integration and social harmony.