New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) The National Cadet Corps (NCC) is gearing up to raise the strength of girl cadets to more than 40 percent by revitalising its training programmes, its director general, Lieutenant General P.S. Bhalla, said Thrusday.

Addressing a press conference to mark the beginning of the NCC’s Republic Day parade preparations, Bhalla also acknowledged that the top talent was often reluctant to join the ranks of NCC.

Bhalla said “The quality of our cadets is excellent, but I will admit that the country’s best students often give he NCC a miss.”

He said the NCC had big plans for improving cadet training, terming this a “change in philosophy”.

Bhalla highlighted the achievements of NCC in nation building, social awareness, community development, environment protection, women empowerment, sports and adventure.