Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

National Service Scheme (NSS), Aligarh Muslim University

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to provide clear and detailed guidelines to employees and student volunteers of the National Service Scheme (NSS), AMU, to enable them to discharge their duties and responsibilities effectively and efficiently. Adherence to this SOP will streamline operations, enhance coordination, and ensure optimal utilisation of time and resources.

2. Introduction

The National Service Scheme was launched on 24 September 1969 for undergraduate students across the country, with the objective of developing students’ personality through community service. NSS inculcates the spirit of voluntary work among students and teachers through sustained engagement with communities, thereby bringing academic institutions closer to society.

At Aligarh Muslim University, NSS has been functioning since its inception at the national level (1969–70). Over the years, the NSS Unit has organised numerous activities focusing on social development, including literacy programmes, child education initiatives for underprivileged communities, village adoption, and special community camps. The programme aims to strengthen the linkage between campus and community while promoting social responsibility among students.

3. Scope

This SOP applies to all student volunteers, Programme Officers, and office staff of NSS, AMU. It outlines operational procedures, roles, and responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of the NSS Unit.

4. Definitions

Abbreviations Used

• NSS – National Service Scheme

• AMU – Aligarh Muslim University

• CL – Casual Leave

• CPL – Compensatory Leave

• EL – Earned Leave

• DL – Detention Leave

5. Responsibilities

5.1 Programme Coordinator

1. Selection of Programme Officers and obtaining approval of their appointments from the competent authority.

2. Allocation of responsibilities among Programme Officers.

3. Supervision and monitoring of the student registration process for enrolment as NSS volunteers.

4. Organization of induction programmes for newly registered student volunteers.

5. Planning, supervision, and monitoring of NSS social and community outreach activities.

6. Ensuring discipline within NSS premises and preventing unlawful activities, including ragging.

7. Daily monitoring of staff attendance registers to ensure regular presence of office staff.

8. Regular interaction with student volunteers to address concerns and provide guidance.

9. Collection of student feedback on Programme Officers and sharing the same for performance improvement.

10. Compliance with guidelines and instructions issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, NSS Regional Directorate, Lucknow, and University authorities from time to time.

5.2 Programme Officers

1. To perform duties efficiently as assigned by the Programme Coordinator.

2. To remain physically present during all NSS social and community activities.

3. To evaluate competitive and co-curricular activities conducted under NSS (e.g., patriotic song competitions, debates, essay competitions).

4. To facilitate registration of student volunteers under their respective units, as required by the Ministry.

5. To initiate and organize diverse events and outreach programmes.

6. To motivate and encourage student participation in NSS activities on a regular basis.

5.3 Office Staff

1. To perform duties assigned by the Programme Coordinator/Programme Officers.

2. To maintain important NSS records and personal files of all office staff.

3. To circulate notices received from the Ministry, Regional Directorate, and University authorities, and maintain proper documentation.

4. To ensure cleanliness and upkeep of NSS premises.

5. To maintain attendance statements of office staff for salary processing.

6. Specific Procedures

1. All applications submitted by NSS employees or student volunteers shall be routed through the Programme Coordinator to higher authorities.

2. Attendance records of student volunteers shall be maintained in the NSS office.

3. Student volunteers must contact the NSS office for issuance of certificates.

4. For availing leave, employees shall obtain the prescribed leave application proforma from the NSS office and submit the duly completed form for approval.

5. All purchased articles shall be recorded in the NSS stock register by the storekeeper or designated staff member.