Director General of NCC Reviews Expansion and Training Modernisation During Two-Day Maharashtra Visit

NCC leadership emphasises expansion, tech training, and youth engagement in Maharashtra during a two-day strategic review.

Mumbai|11 December 2025: The Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Lieutenant General Virendra Vats, completed a two-day visit to Maharashtra, focusing on expanding the organisation’s footprint, modernising training methods, and strengthening youth engagement. The visit, which brought senior officers and cadets together, highlighted the evolving role of the NCC in preparing young Indians for future challenges while supporting national priorities.

During his Maharashtra tour, Lt Gen Vats was greeted with a tri-services Guard of Honour featuring cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings, a ceremonial display that reflected NCC’s long-standing culture of discipline and national service. He praised the cadets’ precision and commitment, noting that their performance underscores the high standards of training that the organisation instils across its units.

A series of briefings and discussions followed, led by Major General Vivek Tyagi, the Additional Director General of the Maharashtra NCC Directorate. The focus was on key achievements, current initiatives, and plans for expanding NCC units across the state to give more young people opportunities to join and benefit from its programmes. Emphasis was placed on increasing participation by female cadets, with the intake of girls now approaching 40 percent in line with broader national goals to empower young women through defence-related training and leadership development.

A central theme of the visit was modernising training infrastructure to keep pace with technological advances. The discussions addressed plans for upgrading existing facilities and building new academies modelled after the Chhava NCC Training Academy in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. These developments aim to provide cadets broader access to quality training environments and encourage a deeper understanding of emerging defence technologies.

Part of this modernisation push includes integrating drone training as part of the regular curriculum and exploring the establishment of a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) in Nagpur to build skills in unmanned aerial systems. These steps align with global trends in defence training, recognising the growing importance of technology in military, civil, and disaster-response operations. Strengthening manpower, enhancing equipment, and expanding training capacities were all highlighted as priorities during the review.

Lt Gen Vats also attended a cultural event at the Cariappa Auditorium in Colaba, where cadets showcased performances that celebrated Maharashtra’s heritage and patriotic spirit. He awarded medallions to distinguished cadets and staff, reinforcing the value of excellence and dedication. In an interactive session, he addressed questions from cadets about adventure training, social service, and career readiness. He encouraged them to maintain a balance between academics and NCC responsibilities, stressing that leadership, discipline, and service are crucial qualities both in competitive exams and professional life.

An important aspect of the visit was strengthening cooperation with other defence and government agencies. The DG met with senior army leadership to discuss NCC expansion, participation in operational activities such as Operation Sindoor, and ongoing community development efforts. The discussions underscored the synergy between the NCC Directorate, army units, and state government bodies, with a shared commitment to supporting and empowering youth across Maharashtra.

The NCC, India’s largest uniformed youth organisation, has over time increased its cadet strength significantly and expanded into newer domains. Recent nationwide initiatives have included raising new units in regions such as Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, contributing to a broader national strategy of youth engagement and service readiness. These efforts often focus on engaging cadets in both traditional training and emerging areas like drone and remote pilot skills.

Maharashtra’s NCC Directorate plays a key role in this landscape, partnering with educational institutions and community groups to promote civic responsibility, leadership, and service. Its programmes not only support military preparedness but also contribute to youth development through social service activities, adventure training, and national integration efforts. By continuing to upgrade infrastructure, expand training capacities, and embrace modern technologies, the NCC aims to remain relevant and effective in shaping future leaders across the state and the country.

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