Chennai: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked all universities and colleges to strengthen and expand the National Service Scheme (NSS) with a target to enrol an additional 25 lakh students by 2025-26.

In a communication to vice-chancellors and college principals, UGC Secretary Manish R Joshi said the NSS, launched in 1969 by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aims to promote youth participation in social service, leadership and nation-building.

At present, around 39 lakh students are serving as NSS volunteers across the country. The scheme seeks to instil a spirit of social responsibility and commitment to community service among young people, the UGC said.

NSS units are currently functioning in 594 universities. Universities and colleges without such units have been urged to establish them at the earliest, it added.