Bhubaneswar: In a major step toward empowering young women and expanding the footprint of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Odisha, the state government has proposed the formation of five new NCC Girls Battalions. This initiative is part of a broader State NCC Expansion Plan aimed at increasing cadet strength and enhancing youth engagement in nation-building efforts.
In a letter addressed to Colonel Satyabrata Swain, Director of NCC Odisha, Minister of State for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj, confirmed the government’s intent to support the creation of the new battalions. The move aligns with the Government of India’s vision to promote discipline, leadership, and empowerment among youth, especially young women.
The letter states that Odisha aims to increase the total number of NCC cadets in the state from 63,000 to 90,000, a significant jump that underscores the state’s commitment to youth development. The focus on raising five all-girls battalions addresses the growing demand from educational institutions and stakeholders for more inclusive NCC coverage.
To operationalise the proposal, the government has requested the NCC Directorate to prepare a comprehensive implementation plan, including:
A district-wise or region-wise deployment strategy, Infrastructure and administrative requirements, Manpower and training logistics, and an estimated timeline for rollout.
The minister assured full state support for the creation and sustained functioning of these battalions.
Once implemented, the plan is expected to widen access to NCC training for girl students, promote equal opportunities in leadership and service, and bolster the spirit of discipline and patriotism across Odisha’s youth demographic.
