From Classroom to DC Office: Six Lunglei Students Become Deputy Commissioner for a Day

Lunglei, August 27, 2025: As part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign under the District Level Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Lunglei District Administration on 27th August, 2025 (Wednesday) successfully organised the innovative programme "Be Deputy Commissioner for a Day", giving six selected students the rare opportunity to step into the role of Deputy Commissioner and experience first-hand the responsibilities of leadership, governance and public service.

The initiative, held under the theme "Breaking the Chain: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All", was spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner of Lunglei, Pi Navneet Mann, IAS, with the objective of inspiring students to pursue leadership roles and achieve their dreams and to stay away from the evils of substance abuse.

Six academically meritorious students – Joseph R. Vanlalpeka (Govt High School, Lunglei), C. Lalngaihzuali & R. Lalhmingmuanpuia (Sacred Heart HSS), Judy C. Lalenkawli & K. Zomuanpuia (Baptist HSS) and Gracy Lalchhanchhuahi (Govt HSS, Lunglei) – were given the rare opportunity to serve as Deputy Commissioner for a Day, experiencing the challenges and responsibilities of district leadership.

The day-long programme commenced with the students being picked up by the official DC vehicle and brought to the DC Office at 9:00 AM, where they were warmly received. It began with a Welcome & Orientation session, followed by an Office Tour where the students interacted with officials and learned about the functioning of different sections, including Planning, Establishment, Aadhaar Cell, Disaster Management and Election.

From 10:00–11:00 AM, the students took part in a Mock Morning Briefing where various line departments presented short reports. Participating departments included Lunglei Municipal Council (LMC), District Rural Development Office (DRDO), Supply, Revenue, Transport, Education, Health & Family Welfare, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Public Works Department (PWD), Power & Electricity (P&E), Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) and Police. Each student, in turn, assumed the role of Deputy Commissioner to respond to reports and give directions.

This was followed by a Public Grievance Hearing Simulation (11:00–12:00 PM) where students listened to petitions presented by citizens, and made decisions or forwarded matters to concerned departments. At 12:00 PM, a Press Conference Exercise was conducted where students, taking turns as DC, answered questions from journalists on key issues such as infrastructure development, anti-drug campaign, disaster preparedness, education and sports promotion.

After a lunch break, the students went on a Field Inspection (2:00–3:00 PM) to the DCSO Multi-Level Car Parking and the Health ATM at Civil Hospital, Lunglei, giving them real-world exposure to ongoing developmental works and public service infrastructure.

The programme concluded with a Reflection & Sharing session (3:00–4:00 PM), where each student spoke about their experiences, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned about leadership and governance. This was followed by a Certificate Distribution and Closing Ceremony (4:00–5:00 PM), with DC Pi Navneet Mann appreciating the enthusiasm of the students and encouraging them to lead by example in their schools and communities.

The initiative was warmly received and proved to be a valuable experience, giving the students first-hand exposure to the functioning of district administration. Similar programmes will also be carried out by SDO(C)/BDOs at their level in the coming weeks to further engage students across Lunglei District.