Bhubaneswar: In a major step to expand the reach and impact of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Odisha, the State Government decided to raise five new NCC girls’ battalions. The initiative is part of a comprehensive expansion plan to strengthen NCC's presence across the State.

The State Government will bear the full cost of raising and maintaining these new battalions.

Earlier, the State had held discussions with the Director General of NCC regarding a proposal to increase the cadet strength in Odisha from the current 63,000 to 90,000.

In a letter to the NCC Odisha Directorate, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj asked Director Col. Satyabrata Swain to submit a detailed plan outlining district-wise or region-wise deployment, infrastructure and administrative requirements, manpower and training logistics, and an estimated timeline for implementation.

The proposed expansion aligns with the Government of India’s vision of empowering youth through discipline, leadership, and opportunities in nation-building, the letter noted.

The initiative also aims to meet the growing demand from educational institutions and stakeholders for greater NCC coverage among female students, the letter added.