Page 112 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
COVID-19 and youth volunteering in India

A local NSS unit typically consists of a group of 100 high that the NSS plays a crucial role in fostering social
school or college volunteers. Each unit is led by a teacher responsibility among students through service-learning
known as the Program Officer (PO), who assumes multiple initiatives; however, it encounters obstacles due to systemic
roles, including that of an instructor, leader, planner, boss, limitations. The primary structural challenges faced by the
administrator, and public relations representative for the NSS arise from inadequate implementation guidelines;
unit. The PO also typically conducts various activities ineffective communication between the State Liaising
related to human biology and adolescent psychology, Officer, NSS coordinators, and POs; as well as a lack of social
adding a comprehensive dimension to the NSS program capital in educational institutions and their surrounding
(Saiyidain, 1961). communities. To effectively address these challenges, a
The NSS provides two types of initiatives: regular events comprehensive strategy is essential. This strategy should
(called Daily Events) and special camping programs. focus on reforming policy frameworks with clearly
Students must engage in volunteer work in Daily Events defined objectives that align with the community’s current
for a minimum of 2 years, contributing a minimum of needs while promoting collaboration between academic
120 h of community service annually (240 h in total). institutions and local communities through student
Meanwhile, the special camping program constitutes an engagement in sustainable social projects. Furthermore,
annual 7-day camping trip centered on a specific theme substantial financial backing from the Ministry of Youth
relevant to the unit’s region, with all students required to Affairs and Sports is crucial for the training of both POs
attend at least one camp during their 2-year commitment. and student volunteers, enabling them to collaboratively
Activities under the NSS are continually adapted to meet respond to uncertainties and natural disasters and to forge
community needs, thus recognizing the key role of the local connections with officials from the Public Health
youth in contributing to ongoing national development Department and law enforcement agencies. The successful
and in shaping the future. integration of these services into communities relies on
overcoming the abovementioned challenges to create a
The current young generations face multiple challenges cohesive and supportive system.
and hold several aspirations as they navigate a world
full of opportunities. It is therefore essential to offer 4.1. NSS at the university level: Volunteers and
numerous opportunities for individuals to foster their expenditures
personal development and skills, enabling them to become As indicated in Table 1, the total number of NSS volunteers
economically productive and socially significant members in India stands at 3,824,048, reflecting strong student
of society. The future of India is significantly influenced interest in participating in community service while
by its enthusiastic, committed, and empowered youth, as pursuing their studies across various states.
indicated in the 2011 Census Report. The Environmental
Sustainability Council has underscored the importance The NSS website (National Service Scheme, n.d.)
of establishing a credible movement among the youth states that a budget of Rs. 120 (1.42USD) per NSS
to address environmental concerns effectively (Altbach, volunteer is allocated annually to support the efficient
1971; Choudhury, 1989). Nevertheless, numerous young planning and execution of NSS activities. This budget is
NSS volunteers, who are anticipated to shape the future of shared between the central and state governments at a
the country, often lack awareness of the challenges their ratio of 70:50, covering the essential expenses associated
communities face. This situation highlights the pressing with these programs. For the special 7-day camping
requirement to enhance the overall awareness of students events, the budget is limited to Rs. 700 (8.27USD) per
(Deekshitha, 2016). Instilling a sense of social responsibility volunteer. In addition, Rs. 400 (4.72USD) per volunteer
in students is vital, as is providing them with opportunities per annum is designated for regular Daily Events, while
to engage with individuals in rural and underprivileged Rs. 700 (8.27USD) per volunteer is allocated for the
areas. Through such interactions, students can acquire special camping program. This funding is provided by
a more profound understanding of societal realities and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for each student
cultivate empathy. for two consecutive years (Revised financial guidelines –

Chak et al. (2016) noted that participation in service- NSS, n.d.).
learning experiences significantly enhances students’ self- These financial provisions, as specified by the
awareness, fosters a positive self-identity, and cultivates Ministry, are designed to bolster the contributions of NSS
effective interpersonal relationships, teamwork, problem- volunteers. The entire scheme received a budget allocation
solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and a sense of social of Rs. 160 crores (18892064USD) for the fiscal year
responsibility. Similarly, Deekshitha (2016) highlighted 2019 – 2020, underscoring the government’s dedication

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 104 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.4717