2 NCC battalions in Keonjhar, Jharsuguda

BHUBANESWAR: National Cadet Corps (NCC) will open two new battalions in Keonjhar and Jharsuguda to expand its coverage in rural and interior areas. The NCC has also been focusing on enrollment of more girl cadets in the state, said additional director Lt Col J P Panda.
"Over the years, we have concentrated in coastal districts but now we are spreading to remote and rural areas of the state," Panda said, during the celebration of the 66th NCC Day here on Sunday.
Panda said the enrolment ration of girls against boys in NCC in the state is 30: 70, while the national ration is 27: 73. "We are encouraging more girls to join NCC and help them overcome several challenges they are facing nowadays," he added.
Cadets of army, navy and air-wings of NCC displayed a series of daredevil and cultural skills, including horse riding, aerobics, continuity drill and fine demonstration of how a section of infantry destroy an enemy post. Besides, the horse riding skills of the cadets like tent pegging, show jumping and dressage stunts stole the show at the BJB Autonomous College ground here. The air squadron also flied air craft models.
Speaking on the occasion, culture and tourism minister Ashok Panda said, "NCC has a history of inculcating unity and discipline among the youth and this will come a long way in building a healthy society."