Give equal opportunity to girls in NCC: Antony

New Delhi, Jan 20 (IBNS) Defence Minister AK Antony visited the NCC Republic Day Camp here on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that equal opportunity must be given to girls to enroll in the National Cadet Corps.

"In keeping with these principles, six out of 12 units have been raised in rural areas and six units are meant exclusively for girls," Antony said.

The Defence Minister said that the expansion of the NCC (National Cadet Corps) from 13 lakhs to 15 lakhs was going as per plan.

"Last year, our Government had sanctioned an additional strength of two lakhs cadets and 60 NCC units as part of our plan to expand the organisation. I am happy to learn that the new raisings have made progress. It is imperative that maximum units are raised in rural and semi-urban areas," he said.

Antony noted with satisfaction that the NCC has produced several leaders who have done the nation proud in different fields.

"The award of 'Sword of Honour' in two successive courses to NCC cadets at Officers' Training Academy, Chennai is a tribute to the quality of training provided by NCC," he said.

Earlier on his arrival the minister was presented a 'Guard of Honour' by selected cadets followed by a Band Display of enchanting martial and other melodious musical tunes.

Later, Antony visited the Flag Area to witness a colourful depiction of various themes by State Contingents.

The cadets also presented a sterling cultural programme based on Indian culture and National Integration to the minister and other distinguished dignitaries.

A total of 1,950 cadets, both boys and girls drawn from 17 NCC Directorates covering all the States and Union Territories of the country, are participating in this RD Camp.

The cadets will take part in a number of activities like Cultural, National Integration, Awareness and Institutional Training competitions during the nearly month long Republic Day Camp.