RAIPUR,CG,INDIA: The Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh to the state unit of the National Service Scheme (NSS) for organizing various programs.

Speaking at the state-level foundation day and felicitation ceremony of the NSS at the Farmers Auditorium, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Sai highlighted the significant role NSS volunteers play in nation-building through their efforts in rural and urban areas.

He commended the volunteers for their contributions to education, health, cleanliness campaigns, and literacy initiatives. He emphasized the need for their active involvement in de-addiction efforts, urging volunteers to continue their service-oriented work.

Previously, Rs 13 lakh was allocated for NSS activities, but the amount has now been increased to Rs 50 lakh, the Chief Minister pledged.

At the event, youth volunteers, program officers, and organizations making outstanding contributions were honoured, and the NSS magazine Samarpan was released. He also administered an oath of cleanliness to the attendees.

Reflecting on the origins of the NSS, founded on the 100th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Sai recalled former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's message of living for others and contributing to future generations. He praised the youth's role in continuing the legacy of the nation’s founders and noted the participation of eight female NSS volunteers from Chhattisgarh in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, which was dedicated to women's empowerment.

The Chief Minister further outlined the government’s initiatives for youth, including employment-oriented education under the new education policy, skill training in modern fields like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and interest-free loans for professional studies under the Mukhyamantri Higher Education Scheme. He also encouraged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the Chhattisgarh Udyam Kranti Yojana, which provides interest-free loans with a 50% subsidy.

He also mentioned the Internship Scheme introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which will provide one crore youth with the opportunity to gain experience in top companies across the country.

Secretary of Higher Education, Prasanna R., highlighted the NSS’s impact, noting that 7 to 8 lakh youth volunteers have been trained in Chhattisgarh, with over one lakh currently active. Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Girish Chandel, and Commissioner of Higher Education, Janak Prasad Pathak, also addressed the gathering.

The Chief Minister concluded by quoting Swami Vivekananda, expressing confidence in the energy and enthusiasm of the youth volunteers to achieve the goal of a developed India and Chhattisgarh.