GUWAHATI, Oct 15: The Joint State Representative and Additional Director General’s Conference 2026 on Thursday called for stronger Centre-State coordination to expand the National Cadet Corps (NCC), improve training infrastructure and enhance opportunities for youth in the Northeast and other strategically important regions.
The conference, held under the aegis of the NCC North Eastern Region Directorate, was chaired by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and attended by representatives of participating state governments, senior NCC officials and officials from the Ministry of Defence.
Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona attended the conference along with Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Bishwajit Daimari, Tripura Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman and representatives from other Northeastern states.
Addressing the conference, Seth highlighted the government’s plan to expand the NCC nationwide by inducting an additional three lakh cadets. He urged state governments to extend the necessary administrative and institutional support to ensure that the benefits of expansion reach young people, particularly in areas with high demand for NCC enrolment.
Describing the NCC as an important platform for character building and leadership development, he stressed that strengthening the organisation was a shared responsibility of the Centre and states.
The minister called for expediting civilian manpower requirements and administrative arrangements, including granting appropriate Head of Department status to NCC Additional Director General directorates within state administrations.
He also underscored the need for adequate budgetary and financial support to match the NCC’s expanding presence, stating that investment in the organisation was an investment in youth and the country’s future.
On training infrastructure, Seth emphasised the importance of establishing permanent, modern NCC training academies, particularly in the Northeast and other geographically challenging areas. Such facilities, he said, would provide cadets with greater opportunities for adventure activities, leadership training, physical fitness and skill development.
The conference also discussed integrating NCC into the education system through elective and credit-bearing courses, with the minister urging state governments and educational institutions to take the initiative forward.
Highlighting the role of girl cadets, Seth appreciated the NCC’s efforts to promote women’s participation and leadership through initiatives such as the All Girls PRANGLA Trek. He said the Northeast, Sikkim and West Bengal had considerable potential to strengthen opportunities for young women through adventure, leadership and community engagement.
He called for time-bound follow-up action on the issues discussed, with coordinated efforts by state governments, the Directorate General of NCC and the Ministry of Defence.
The conference was attended by NCC Director General Lt Gen Virendra Vats, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, and Additional Director Generals of the NCC North Eastern Region and West Bengal and Sikkim directorates.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to resolving pending issues, strengthening institutional cooperation and equipping young people with the discipline, confidence and skills needed to contribute to nation-building.