Berhampur: Dr. Jayanta Kumar Panda, Programme Coordinator, NSS Bureau, Berhampur University, has been nominated as a member of the 16-member National Review Committee constituted by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. The committee, chaired by the Secretary, Youth Affairs, will review the existing NSS Manual (2006) and propose a new comprehensive manual to guide the functioning of the National Service Scheme (NSS) across India.
The Committee has been mandated to submit its recommendations within four weeks. Dr. Panda is the only representative from Odisha in this prestigious national-level body.
As of March 2025, the NSS has nearly 40 lakh student volunteers enrolled in 41,442 units across 396 universities and higher secondary councils. These volunteers actively contribute through regular activities and special camps focused on health, education, environment, rural development, disaster relief, and community service.
The NSS Manual is considered the constitution of NSS functioning in India, providing guidelines for planning, implementation, evaluation, training, and leadership development. It defines roles and responsibilities of Programme Coordinators, Programme Officers, and Volunteers, and lays down reporting formats, evaluation criteria, and thematic areas of work.
The nomination of Dr. Panda is a proud moment for Odisha and Berhampur University, reflecting recognition of his long-standing contribution to youth development and community engagement through NSS.
