NCC cadets lauded for serving 8,000-strong Durga Puja duty across West Bengal
Synopsis
More than 8,000 NCC cadets kept Kolkata's Durga Puja safe and orderly — and did so even after a tragic incident at the Chor Bagan pandal tested their resolve. Their felicitation underscores a quietly expanding role for the corps in West Bengal, with the state government reportedly backing NCC's spread to every institution in the state.
Key Takeaways
More than 8,000 NCC cadets — boys and girls — served during six days of Durga Puja across Kolkata and districts of West Bengal .
Cadets assisted local police in crowd management, pandal operations, and helping elderly citizens and the general public.
They continued duties despite a tragic incident at the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal , drawing special praise from senior officers.
Major General APS Chahal , ADG, NCC West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate, presided over the felicitation ceremony at New Alipore, Kolkata on 23 October 2026 .
The NCC Directorate is engaging with the West Bengal state government to expand NCC to all institutions in the state.
More than 8,000 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets from the West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate were formally recognised on Friday, 23 October 2026, for their round-the-clock service during Durga Puja festivities across Kolkata and the districts of West Bengal. The felicitation ceremony was held at the Corps Directorate in New Alipore, Kolkata.
Cadets' Role During the Festivities
Over the six days of the Puja, the cadets — both boys and girls — assisted local police in crowd management, regulated the movement of visitors, facilitated smooth pandal operations, and extended help to elderly citizens and other members of the public. Their coordinated effort complemented the work of the civil administration in managing the massive influx of devotees and pandal-hoppers across the state.
Courage Amid an Unfortunate Incident
Notably, the recognition carried added significance given a tragic incident at the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal during the festivities. According to officials, the cadets did not waver. 'Despite the tragic incident at the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal, the NCC cadets displayed remarkable courage, commitment and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Rising to the occasion, the cadets continued to turn up for their assigned duties and extended wholehearted support to the administration, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to public service during this challenging period,' an official said.
What Senior Officers Said
Major General APS Chahal, Additional Director General (ADG), NCC, West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate, presided over the ceremony and commended the dedication, discipline, and sense of responsibility the cadets demonstrated throughout. He praised their 'readiness to assist the police and civil administration and their commitment to the safety, convenience and well-being of the public, even in the aftermath of an unfortunate incident.'
The ADG also highlighted the broader institutional push to strengthen NCC in the state, noting that the directorate has been actively engaging with the West Bengal state government for support in terms of budget, staffing, infrastructure, and incentives for cadets. He appreciated what he called the 'positive approach and vision of the new government in the state to expand NCC to all institutions of West Bengal.'
NCC's Expanding Role in West Bengal
Officials underscored that the cadets' conduct exemplified the core NCC values of 'discipline, selfless service, leadership, commitment and service to the nation.' Their actions during the Puja were described as a reflection of the corps' motto of 'Unity and Discipline', and as a demonstration of how young citizens can contribute meaningfully to society during demanding circumstances. The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to grooming the youth of the state and acknowledged the coordinated efforts of associate officers, permanent instructors, and Group Headquarters personnel.
With the state government reportedly open to expanding NCC coverage to all educational institutions, the recognition ceremony signals a renewed emphasis on civic volunteering as a pillar of youth development in West Bengal.
Point of View
000 cadets deployed across an entire state for six consecutive days — deserves more than routine acknowledgement. Durga Puja crowd management in Kolkata is a logistical challenge that strains even professional law enforcement, and the NCC's integration into that apparatus reflects a structural dependence on volunteer youth that the state has neither fully formalised nor adequately resourced. The reference to the Chor Bagan incident is telling: cadets held their posts after a tragedy on their watch, which speaks to both their training and the absence of an adult safety backstop. The push to expand NCC to every institution in West Bengal is ambitious, but expansion without matching budget and infrastructure risks diluting the very discipline being celebrated.
NationPress
23 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were NCC cadets deployed during Durga Puja in West Bengal?
More than 8,000 NCC cadets from the West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate were deployed to assist local police and civil administration during the six-day Durga Puja festivities. Their duties included crowd management, regulating visitor movement, supporting pandal operations, and helping elderly citizens.
What happened at the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal?
Officials referenced a tragic incident at the Chor Bagan Durga Puja pandal during the festivities, though specific details were not disclosed. Despite this, NCC cadets continued to report for their assigned duties and supported the administration throughout the challenging period.
Who presided over the NCC felicitation ceremony in Kolkata?
Major General APS Chahal, Additional Director General of NCC for the West Bengal and Sikkim Directorate, presided over the appreciation ceremony held at the Corps Directorate in New Alipore, Kolkata on 23 October 2026.
Is the NCC expanding in West Bengal?
Yes, according to Major General Chahal, the NCC Directorate has been actively engaging with the West Bengal state government to secure support in terms of budget, staffing, infrastructure, and incentives. The state government has reportedly expressed support for expanding NCC to all educational institutions in the state.
What values did the NCC cadets demonstrate during Durga Puja?
Officials said the cadets exemplified the NCC's core values of discipline, selfless service, leadership, commitment, and service to the nation. Their conduct was cited as an example of how young citizens can contribute meaningfully during demanding public events.
