Hyderabad: The 69th anniversary celebrations of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) have been cancelled in the two Telugu states as the Andhra Pradesh government has refused to provide funds to the local NCC Directorate unless it shifts its base to the state. This is the first time in the history of NCC that the anniversary parade has been cancelled.
Air Commodore P. Maheshwar, deputy director general, NCC Directorate (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) said, “The AP government has refused to provide funds of Rs 3 lakh in order to carry out the anniversary parade for 600 cadets. The denial has come after months of practice by the 600 cadets.”
He said that AP has asked the NCC Directorate to shift its base “with a provision that complete staff must shift. However, the officer in command must regularly visit but can operate from Hyderabad. This has been accepted in principle but the directorate needs time.”The Air Commodore further added, “The parade for the Telangana State cadets cannot be carried out because it is a joint celebration. The cancellation has been conveyed to the AP and TS governments.
“A bigger issue looms,” he added. “It is uncertain if the AP government will pay for the 60 cadets who are likely to be part of a contingent for an upcoming NCC parade in New Delhi, scheduled for December.”On Thursday, the NCC headquarters held a commemoration ceremony for 74 outstanding cadets and staff of Associate NCC Officers, Girl Cadet Instructors, Permanent Instructional and Civilian staff along with cadets. This ceremony was supposed to be held during the parade however, since it stands cancelled, it was held on Thursday.
In 2017, the cadets from NCC directorate (AP & TS) won the Best Rider (Boys) and Best Rider (Girls) in the Republic Day camp -2017. They also bagged the DG RVC Trophy and won gold and bronze medals in tent pegging. The Directorate secured the first position in Thal Sainik Camp (Girls) and also won gold in skeet shooting, and a bronze in 22 rifle-shooting in the All India Vayu Sainik Camp.
