Jashpur district in Chhattisgarh is set to enhance career opportunities for its youth with the launch of an NCC Air Squadron. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s endeavors have resulted in the approval of an air squadron at the PMSHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, marking the establishment of the 3 CG NCC Air Squadron in the state. This initiative signifies a monumental step, opening avenues for the local youth.
The Chief Minister marked the commencement by presenting cadet badges to 25 accomplished students selected for the Air NCC, extending his best wishes for their future. The students included 13 girls and 12 boys. Wing Commander Vivek Kumar Sahu presented a symbolic token of appreciation to the Chief Minister. Also in attendance were MLA Gomti Sai, MLA Raymuni Bhagat, District Panchayat President Salik Sai, Municipal President Arvind Bhagat, Vice President Yash Pratap Singh Judeo, District Panchayat Vice President Shaurya Pratap Singh Judeo, along with officials and community leaders.
During the last NCC Day celebrations, Chief Minister Sai had expressed his vision to extend the air squadron program to other cities with air strips, paralleling the program in Raipur. Currently, air NCC and flight training are exclusive to Raipur in Chhattisgarh, although areas like Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, Ambikapur, and Jashpur also possess air strip infrastructure.
Following the Chief Minister’s initiative, the Agdih airstrip in Jashpur received approval for the 3 CG Air NCC Squadron in March, and a microlight aircraft was dispatched for training. Around 100 cadets benefited from practical flight experiences. Chief Minister Sai personally oversaw the training program, interacting with cadets, who, in turn, shared technical insights regarding the aircraft.
The 3 CG Air NCC Air Squadron is presently unique nationwide, incorporating MBBS, AIIMS, and nursing students as cadets. Cadets are provided with chances for 25 vacancies and courses in the army through UPSC and SSB interviews, as well as 50 openings for the Officers Training Academy via the SSC pathway, which circumvents the need for a UPSC examination and relies on SSB interviews for selection. Twenty seats are allocated for girls. All courses, including air force flight training, include a 10 percent allocation for cadets, removing the need for AFACT or UPSC exams. Additionally, 2 to 10 bonus points are available in paramilitary force recruitment, and preferences are granted in numerous industries for employment based on the NCC C certificate.