THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the Air Wing NCC at least, rough weather this monsoon season has taken the shape of the Kerala Government. Delays have hit the Air Wing’s plans to open its second squadron in the state in Kochi with the government sitting on its promise to provide civilian staff.The National Cadet Corps (NCC) officials had planned a formal launch for the No:3 Kerala Air Squadron NCC by July-end or the beginning of August. But the uncertainty over civilian staff has effectively shot down that schedule.Close to 22 civilian support staff are required for the new squadron as per establishment norms. This include junior superintendents, UD and LD clerks and typists. The NCC Air Wing had first broached the matter with the previous LDF Government. But after the change in government, things have been quite sluggish. “We have tied up with INS Garuda (the naval air station in Kochi). So all our flying will be from there. A micro-light has been sanctioned for the new squadron and officers posted. Troop allotment also has started. We are all set except for the civilian staff,” a senior officer said.Uptil now, Kerala had only one squadron of the Air Wing NCC - the No:1 Kerala Air Squadron NCC based in Thiruvananthapuram. With the entry of No:3 Kerala Air NCC, the No:1 squadron will cover districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Alappuzha and the northern districts from Ernakulam upwards will come under No:3 squadron. The new squadron, like its southern and older counterpart, will cater to 2100 junior division boys and girls and 200 senior division boys and girls.The big attraction with the NCC Air Wing, unlike its Naval and Army cousins, is that it offers flying training in a variety of aircraft including gliders and micro-lights, moulding youngsters for a career in the Indian Air Force. The Air Wing has plans to float the No:2 Kerala Air Squadron NCC in Kozhikode in the long run.
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