The Minister of State for Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has said that the final representation of the certificate-holders of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the Indian Armed Forces has not been very encouraging. While addressing the two- day Deputy Directors General Annual Conference in New Delhi, he said that despite spending years as NCC cadets, only few youth choose defence forces as their prospective career. "There is a need to evalute whether we lack in motivating our cadets adequately or do we need to improve our curriculum? These issues have to be examined thoroughly", he said. Suggesting that improvement in training methods and organisational matters is the need of the hour, the Minister asked the senior officers of the Directorate General NCC to be proactive in settling the long-standing issues.

Prof Gupta said the vibrant and exuberant youth is a good asset that has a tremendous potential to build a better tomorrow. Therefore, one needs lead them in right direction and provide them opportunities for their optimal contribution towards nation building. "It is also our duty to guard them, especially in the prevailing circumstances, against unscrupulous elements and channelise their enormous energy in the most constructive manner", the Minister added.

Commending the role and contribution of NCC to national development, Mr Gupta said that be it earthquake, cyclone or drought, the organisation remained always on the forefront for relief and rehabilitation. NCC has also been on the forefront in AIDS awareness campaigns and anti-corruption drives and to foster communal harmony.

Earlier welcoming the Minister, Director General NCC, Lt Gen BK Boppanna outlined the future plans of the organisation. The conference discussed various issues like training allowances, recruitment and clothing.