New Delh – Lt Gen Virendra Vats took charge as the Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) on Wednesday, succeeding Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The NCC, which describes itself as the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation, is expanding its cadet strength to 20 lakh across 28 states and eight Union Territories, the ministry added.
It said the organisation aims to combine its traditional focus on character building and patriotism with new initiatives in digital skills, innovation and global awareness, in line with the government’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
Lt Gen Vats, commissioned into the 19 KUMAON Regiment of the Indian Army in December 1988, has served for 37 years. According to the Defence Ministry, his career has included assignments in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, as well as key appointments in Arunachal Pradesh, the Kashmir Valley and at Army Headquarters. He also commanded an infantry brigade under the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Prior to his appointment as NCC chief, Lt Gen Vats was the Commandant at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the College of Defence Management in Secunderabad and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
The ministry said Lt Gen Vats’s experience in operational and leadership roles is expected to guide the NCC in its efforts to train disciplined and responsible youth.
The NCC operates in schools and colleges across India, providing basic military training to students and engaging them in community service, leadership development and adventure activities. Its motto, “Unity and Discipline”, emphasises teamwork and civic responsibility, the ministry added.
Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, whom Lt Gen Vats succeeds, led the organisation during a period of growth in cadet numbers and outreach programmes. The transition comes as the NCC prepares to mark its continued expansion nationwide.
The Defence Ministry’s statement did not provide details on specific programmes or initiatives under Lt Gen Vats’s leadership, but highlighted continuity in the organisation’s focus on youth development and nation-building.
