Overview

• He succeeds Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh at the helm of the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation.
• The Defence Ministry said cadet strength is being raised to 20 lakh across 28 states and eight union territories.
• Officials said NCC programmes are being reoriented toward Viksit Bharat@2047 with greater emphasis on innovation, digital skills and global awareness.
• Vats was commissioned into the 19 Kumaon Regiment in 1988 and has 37 years of service in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism roles.
• His past posts include brigade command under a UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Commandant of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.