A new NCC Air Squadron has been launched in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh, creating new career pathways for local youth. Thanks to the efforts of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the PMSHRI Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya is now home to the 3 CG NCC Air Squadron. This represents a significant milestone for the district, offering promising futures for its young residents.
The Chief Minister initiated the program by awarding NCC cadet badges to 25 exceptional students selected to participate in the Air NCC, expressing his best wishes for their future endeavors. The group included 13 girls and 12 boys. Wing Commander Vivek Kumar Sahu presented a memento to the Chief Minister to mark the occasion. Also in attendance were esteemed guests, including MLA Gomti Sai, MLA Raymuni Bhagat, District Panchayat President Salik Sai, Municipal President Arvind Bhagat, Vice President Yash Pratap Singh Judeo, and District Panchayat Vice President Shaurya Pratap Singh Judeo, along with other officials and local representatives.
During past NCC Day celebrations, Chief Minister Sai had expressed a desire to expand the air squadron program to more cities with airstrips, emulating the successful model in Raipur. Presently, Raipur is the sole location in Chhattisgarh offering air NCC and flight training. However, cities like Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, Ambikapur, and Jashpur also have available airstrip facilities.
In line with this vision, the Agdih airstrip in Jashpur was approved for the 3 CG Air NCC Squadron in March, and a microlight aircraft was deployed for training purposes. Nearly 100 cadets benefited from hands-on flight experience. Chief Minister Sai personally oversaw the training program, engaging with the cadets, who shared valuable technical insights regarding the aircraft.
The 3 CG Air NCC Air Squadron is unique in India, with cadets that include students from MBBS, AIIMS, and nursing programs. Cadets have access to opportunities through UPSC and SSB interviews, allowing them to compete for 25 army vacancies/courses. Additionally, there are 50 vacancies/courses available for the Officers Training Academy through the SSC route, which only requires an SSB interview. Twenty seats are reserved for girls. All courses, including air force flight training courses, have a 10 percent quota for cadets, not requiring AFACT or UPSC exams. Bonus marks of 2 to 10 are also given in paramilitary force recruitment, and preference is given in numerous industries for employment based on the NCC C certificate.