Powerpuff girls are here to defend you

Updated on: 07 January,2009 11:20 AM IST |
Anshuman G Dutta |

NCC to induct more female cadets who might join Army

NCC to induct more female cadets who might join Army

The defence forces are facing a manpower crunch. And girls are running to the rescue!

"The number of female cadets in the NCC has gone up from 17 per cent to 22u00a0 per cent this year. Over the years, the awareness among girls to join NCC and the defence forces has increased," said Lt General RK Karwal, director-general National Cadet Corps.

"Girls are more enthusiastic than boys and their performance too is better. We are also focusing on girls from the rural and backward areas," he added.

"Of course, the defence forces is my first career option. But NCC is not only about getting trained for joining the Army. It also trains you for all challenges. I can feel the whole country supporting me after meeting cadets from other states," said Senior Under Officer Chetna Raj from government PG College, Narnaul, Haryana.

The growing charm of the defence forces among girls was evident at the Delhi Parade Ground recently, where more than 1,900 NCC cadets assembled for the preparation of the Republic Day parade.

With a total strength of 13 lakh cadets, NCC is the largest uniformed youth force in the world. The Republic Day parade is considered to be one of the most prestigious events for an NCC cadet.

"Cadets from countries like Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Russia, Kazakhstan and Vietnam will also be joining us shortly. Every year we host foreign cadets as part of our interaction programme while Indian cadets also get a chance to visit foreign countries as part of the Youth Exchange Programme," said Karwal.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels