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Updated Oct 31, 2025 · 19:30
Punjab News Updated Oct 31, 2025

New NCC Leadership: Major Gen Bharat Mehtani Takes Charge Amid Transition

Major General Bharat Mehtani has taken over as the new Additional Director General of the NCC Directorate. He replaces Major General Jagdeep Singh Cheema, who retired after 37 years of distinguished military service. The transition ceremony featured the traditional exchange of baton between the outgoing and incoming officers. This leadership change comes as the NCC Directorate continues to celebrate achievements including cadets who successfully scaled Mount Everest.

Major Gen Bharat Mehtani is new Additional Director General of NCC Directorate

Chandigarh, Oct 31

Major General Jagdeep Singh Cheema, Additional Director General of the NCC Directorate (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh), on Friday handed over the charge to Major General Bharat Mehtani, following his retirement after 37 years of distinguished service.

During his tenure, Maj Gen Cheema fostered a positive and cordial atmosphere in the office, inspiring his team to achieve exceptional results. His dedication and commitment to duty have been exemplary, and the NCC Directorate staff thanked him for his leadership.

Maj Gen Cheema, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakvasla, has had a distinguished military career, including tenures as Defence Attache in the High Commission of India in Bangladesh and service in a UN Mission. He had also been Colonel Commandant, Regiment of Artillery (Group-IV), since August 1, 2024.

Maj Gen Mehtani, the new Additional Director General, brings extensive experience to his new role, having commanded an Infantry Brigade and Division in the Western Sector and served in various capacities. He has been awarded the GOC-in-Chief, Western Command Commendation Card for his distinguished service.

The outgoing and incoming officers exchanged traditional Baton and warm greetings, marking a smooth transition.

The Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh NCC Directorate in June had felicitated three NCC cadets and a girl cadet instructor (GCI) for successfully scaling Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. GIC Anamika Chaudhary of No. 2 Punjab R&V Squadron, Bathinda; Under Officer Padma Namgail of No. 2 Chandigarh NCC Battalion; and Cadet Kritika Sharma of No.1 Himachal Pradesh NCC Battalion in Solan were commended for their feat, showcasing courage, endurance and determination.

Jahan Kukkal and Padam Namgail from No. 2 Chandigarh Battalion NCC had attended a pre-Everest expedition at Mount Abi Gamin (7,335 m) and a winter training camp at the world’s highest battlefield ground, Siachen (base camp). Cadet Kukkal also successfully completed an expedition to Mount Kang Yatse II (6,250 m).

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya S

Salute to Maj Gen Cheema for his 37 years of distinguished service! 🇮🇳 His work as Defence Attache in Bangladesh and UN missions shows India's global military presence. Wishing him a happy retirement!

Arjun K

The NCC cadets scaling Mount Everest is truly inspiring! This shows how NCC is shaping our youth into future leaders. More such achievements should be highlighted to motivate young Indians.

Sarah B

While I appreciate the smooth transition, I hope the new leadership will focus more on digital transformation in NCC training. The world is changing rapidly and our cadets need modern skills alongside traditional military training.

Vikram M

The baton exchange tradition is so meaningful! It represents the continuity of leadership and institutional memory. NCC has been doing great work in northern states - hope this continues under new leadership.

Ananya R

So proud of our girl cadets! 🏔️ Anamika, Padma, and Kritika scaling Everest shows that Indian women can achieve anything. NCC is truly empowering our youth, especially girls from smaller towns and cities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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