New Delhi, Jan. 28 (UNI) Lauding the role of National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the service of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the cadets have helped the people in floods and other natural disasters.

Addressing the NCC rally at Cariappa ground in the Capital, he said that during the COVID-19 period, lakhs of cadets worked with the administration and society across the country. Mr. Modi said the country has seen effective results of people taking their responsibilities during COVID and India fought the pandemic well due to their efforts.

Mr Modi said, around one lakh NCC cadets are being trained by Army, Navy and Air Force for a new responsibility in nearly 175 districts in the coastal and border areas of the country.The government has made efforts to see that the role of NCC Cadets is further expanded. He said with a view to strengthen the security network in the border and coastal areas, the participation of NCC is being boosted. Mr Modi said, the government has increased the number of firing simulators from one to nearly 100, micro-light flight simulators from five to 48 and rowing simulators has to been increased from 11 to 60. He said that these modern simulators will improve the training qualities of NCC. He said, NCC has seen a 35 per cent increase in the number of girl cadets and every front of country's defence forces are being opened for girls. The Prime Minister further said that India will soon be known as a producer of defence equipment, instead of being a market as it is today. He said, the country has also received three more Rafale fighter jets from France and they have the ability to refuel mid-air, which has been done by India's friend UAE, helped by Greece and Saudi Arabia. Mr Modi said, this is a portrayal of India's strengthening friendship with middle-east countries.

Earlier, the Prime Minister reviewed the march past by NCC contingents and witnessed cultural performance also. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff and the three armed services Chiefs were present on the occasion.

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