B.D. College, Patna

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a central government initiative that aims to develop the personality and character of students through community service. The effective functioning of an NSS unit relies on a supportive infrastructure that facilitates planning, mobilization, and execution of various social welfare activities. The infrastructure support for the NSS unit at B.D. College is designed to empower student volunteers to contribute meaningfully to society.

Here is a breakdown of the key infrastructural components:

1. Administrative and Operational Infrastructure

• NSS Program Officer's Room: The NSS unit is headed by a designated Program Officer (a faculty member). The officer is provided with:
• Workspace: A dedicated desk and storage space within the administrative block or a common faculty room for managing NSS records and meetings.
• Communication Tools: Access to a computer, telephone, and internet for official correspondence with the university NSS cell, government departments, and community partners.
• Storage Facility (NSS Store Room): A dedicated storage room is crucial for housing:
• Equipment: First-aid kits, megaphones, banners, NSS flags, and basic tools for cleanliness drives.
• Materials: Supplies for rallies and awareness campaigns (poster-making materials, pamphlets).
• Camp Equipment: Tents, cooking utensils, and other essential items for annual special camps.

2. Logistical and Mobility Support

• Transportation: The college provides logistical support for NSS activities, which is one of the most critical needs.
• College Buses/Vans: The college's own vehicles are used to transport volunteers to and from community service sites, such as villages, slums, schools, and blood donation camps.
• Hired Vehicles: For larger events or distant locations, the college administration facilitates the hiring of buses or tempos.
• Mobility Aids: Basic items like bicycles for local visits or surveys are often managed by the volunteers themselves with support from the unit.

3. Learning and Collaboration Spaces

• Meeting and Planning Halls: The NSS unit utilizes the college's common facilities for its operations:
• Seminar Hall/Classrooms: Used for holding regular meetings of NSS volunteers, pre-event briefings, training sessions (e.g., first-aid training, disaster management workshops), and guest lectures by social workers.
• Open Spaces/Auditorium: Used for organizing large rallies, oath-taking ceremonies, and cultural programs related to national days and social themes.

• Notice Boards: Dedicated NSS notice boards are placed at prominent locations on campus to display:
• Schedules of regular and special camps.
• Photographs and reports of past activities.
• Motivational messages and information about upcoming events.

4. Material and Resource Support

• First-Aid and Safety: The college ensures the availability of well-stocked first-aid boxes for all outdoor activities and camps to address minor injuries.
• Audio-Visual Equipment: The unit has access to the college's microphones, loudspeakers, and projectors for awareness campaigns, street plays (nukkad natak), and presentations.
• Printing and Publication Support: The college's administrative office provides support for printing certificates of participation, appreciation letters, awareness pamphlets, and annual reports of NSS activities.

5. Financial and Administrative Backing

• Budgetary Allocation: The college administration facilitates the flow of funds received from the University/State NSS Cell for the seven-day special camps and regular activities. The college also may provide contingency funds for urgent needs.
• Liaison Support: The college administration helps the NSS unit liaise with local authorities (e.g., block development officer, municipal corporation, primary health centres) to obtain necessary permissions and collaboration for community work.

6. Community Connect Infrastructure

• Adopted Villages/Slums: The NSS unit typically has one or two adopted villages or slum areas near the college. The infrastructure support extends to creating a sustained presence in these areas through:
• Community Centers: Using local school buildings or community halls in the village for organizing health check-up camps, adult literacy classes, and vocational guidance sessions.
• College Campus as a Hub: The campus itself serves as a hub for many NSS activities, such as:
• Blood Donation Camps: Organized in the college auditorium or a large hall in collaboration with local hospitals.
• Tree Plantation Drives: Conducted on the college grounds and surrounding areas.
• Cleanliness Drives: Within the college campus to promote the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Areas for Potential Enhancement

To further strengthen the NSS unit, the college could focus on:

• Dedicated NSS Room: A dedicated room solely for NSS, with better storage, a meeting table, and a display area for trophies and achievements.
• Digital Documentation Kit: Providing a dedicated digital camera or action cameras for volunteers to professionally document their activities for reports and social media outreach.
• Skill Development Lab: Using a college lab to train village youth or women in basic computer skills as part of NSS outreach programs.

Conclusion

The infrastructure supporting the NSS unit at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal College is a practical and enabling framework that combines administrative backing, logistical support, and access to the college's physical resources. This support system is vital for translating the ideals of community service into actionable and impactful programs. It empowers student volunteers to engage with societal challenges, develop leadership skills, and fulfill the NSS motto of "Not Me, But You." The college's commitment to providing this infrastructure underscores its role in fostering socially responsible and empathetic citizens.