NCC to deal with cross-border matrimony in Gujarat

Cross-border marriages breed cross-border infiltration. The best way to tackle it? Deploy the National Cadet Corps (NCC)!

It's for real. Prime minister Narendra Modi’s office plans to raise additional NCC units in Gujarat, where cross-border marriages are on the rise. The government plans to enroll over 2,500 cadets from Gujarat to sensitise people living in border areas.

The proposal has already received the nod from the PMO and the ministry of defence and the army plan to raise 10 additional NCC units for Gujarat alone. At present, the state has 36 units.

“Coastal areas like Rann of Kutch, Bhuj and areas around Dwarka have seen a trend where lot of marriages between Indian and Pakistan families take place. It's alarming, as it gives easy access to foreign nationals. By encouraging the local youth to join NCC, and, subsequently, armed forces, the government is using the method as a deterrent,” said an official.

Gujarat has a poor record when it comes to enrollment in the armed forces.

The Modi government may widen the plan by including states affected by insurgency, terrorism and naxalism, like Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, later.

The army has always considered NCC cadets as the second line of defence as they are taught to develop leadership and officer-like qualities.

Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of NCC units in the country with 110. Each NCC unit has approximately 250 cadets.

In Gujarat, meanwhile, it's forward march for the NCC.