4 HP NCC Company upgraded

The 4 HP NCC Company has been upgraded to a full battalion, now designated as 4 HP Bn NCC Hamirpur, with its cadet strength rising from 2,000 to 3,520. Commanding Officer Col GP Singh announced this expansion while addressing the media, highlighting that the upgradation would open new opportunities for youth across Himachal Pradesh.

With the increased intake, the battalion has sanctioned 18 new NCC units, taking the total number of institutions under its jurisdiction to 55. To manage the wider area of operation, an additional staff of 10, including an administrative officer, has been deployed.

Col Singh said 14 new units have been established in government colleges at Bhoranj, Jawalamukhi, Barsar and the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri. Institutions such as NIT-Hamirpur and Sainik Schoo- Sujanpur Tihra have also been brought under the battalion’s fold. Among schools, Government Senior Secondary Schools at Jhigriani, Patta, Kangoo, Tauni Devi, Bir Baghera and PMHS Jakhu Jangal, along with private schools MPS, AIMPS and SDPS in Hamirpur, now have NCC units.

The battalion covers institutions in Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Bilaspur districts. With greater intake, more cadets are expected to represent Himachal in national events. This year, 19 cadets have been shortlisted for the Republic Day pre-selection camp at Dalhousie, beginning September 28. Successful candidates will proceed to camps at Solan and Rupnagar, Punjab.

Col Singh stressed that NCC instills values of discipline, courage and leadership, while training cadets in drill, weapon handling, firing, disaster management, social service, adventure, self-defence and civil defence — preparing them to serve both the nation and society.