Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
The National Service Act, 1972, aimed to establish a system for the registration of qualified persons (medical and engineering professionals) and their potential conscription for national service. Enacted during a period of national security concerns, the Act sought to mobilize skilled professionals to address national needs in areas like defense, civil defense, and essential services. While the Act was never fully implemented and was eventually repealed, it represents a notable historical attempt to create a framework for national service in India. This Act fell under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Act was enacted on June 9, 1972. It consists of seven chapters and 38 sections.
Act Governed By:
The Act’s implementation was to be overseen by the Central Government, which had the power to call up qualified persons for national service, establish hardship committees to consider postponement requests, and make rules and regulations.
On Whom It Is Applicable:
The Act targeted “qualified persons,” defined as citizens of India ordinarily residing in India who held recognized medical qualifications or university degrees in engineering or technology. It also applied to employers of these qualified persons.
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act prescribed penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for various offenses, such as failing to register, not complying with notices for examination or enlistment, leaving national service without authorization, making false statements, and forgery. It also addressed offenses by companies.
Important Pointers:
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Provided for the registration of qualified persons in a National Service Register.
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Allowed for voluntary service in lieu of compulsory national service under certain conditions.
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Empowered the Central Government to direct qualified persons to render service in the Armed Forces or other national service.
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Established National Service (Hardship) Committees to consider applications for postponement of national service.
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Outlined provisions for salary, wages, allowances, and other benefits for those enlisted for national service.
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Addressed the reinstatement of qualified persons to their former employment after completion of national service.