Lunglei, June 17, 2026: In a unique effort to inspire young minds and promote civic responsibility, the Lunglei District Administration on Wednesday successfully organised the second edition of "Be Deputy Commissioner for a Day", an innovative initiative spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann, IAS. Conducted under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) and in convergence with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, the programme was held with the theme "Say No to Drugs, Yes to Democracy (Special Intensive Revision)."
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| A student participant takes on the role of Deputy Commissioner during the "Be Deputy Commissioner for a Day 2.0" programme at the Lunglei Deputy Commissioner's Office on June 17, 2026. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The initiative provided selected students from across Lunglei district with a rare opportunity to experience the functioning of government administration firsthand while simultaneously promoting awareness about drug abuse prevention and democratic participation.
A total of thirteen students participated in the programme. Most of the participants were academically outstanding students nominated by their respective schools based on merit and leadership potential. In line with the administration's commitment to inclusivity, one participant was a Child with Special Needs (CwSN), nominated through the education department. Two additional participants earned their place through a Wildcard Entry round, where students submitted essays explaining their interest in joining the programme.
The participants represented a diverse range of educational institutions across the district, including Government Electric Veng High School, Government Leitlangpui High School, Government High School Lunglei, Baptist Higher Secondary School Serkawn, Government Rahsiveng High School, Government Bazar High School, Holy Faith School, Sacred Heart School, Government Venglai High School, FLKM School, Bethesda Higher Secondary School and 2nd Battalion MAP English Medium School.
The day began with a welcome and orientation session at the Deputy Commissioner's Office, where students were introduced to the structure and functioning of the district administration. Officials briefed them on the role and responsibilities of the Deputy Commissioner and various departments under the district administration.
The participants were then taken on a guided tour of several administrative sections, including Planning, Establishment, Aadhaar Cell, Disaster Management and Election branches. During the tour, students interacted with officials and learned about the responsibilities and challenges associated with public service and governance.
One of the major attractions of the programme was the Mock Morning Briefing conducted at the DC Conference Hall. Students were divided into groups and assigned the role of Deputy Commissioner. They listened to departmental presentations from officials representing the DRDO, Election Department, Revenue Department, Police, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Health Department. The exercise offered practical insight into how government departments coordinate, plan and implement policies at the district level.
Another significant component was a simulated press conference held in the Deputy Commissioner's Chamber. Students took turns acting as Deputy Commissioner and responded to questions posed by media personnel on governance, development issues and public welfare. The session was designed to enhance leadership qualities, critical thinking, communication skills and confidence in public speaking.
Following lunch, the participants undertook field visits to various institutions and development initiatives, including the Health ATM facility at Civil Hospital, Lunglei, and the Cosmic Class initiative at Government Leitlangpui Higher Secondary School. These visits enabled students to witness innovative public service delivery mechanisms and educational initiatives in action.
As part of the programme's focus on strengthening democratic values, students were attached to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and observed activities under the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. They accompanied officials during household visits and voter awareness outreach campaigns, gaining firsthand understanding of electoral processes and the importance of voter registration and participation.
The programme concluded with a reflection and sharing session where participants discussed their experiences and lessons learned throughout the day. Students shared insights into leadership, governance, public administration and civic responsibility. Certificates of participation were distributed during the closing ceremony, followed by a group photograph.
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Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann praised the enthusiasm and active engagement demonstrated by the participants. She encouraged them to become ambassadors of positive change by promoting drug-free lifestyles and encouraging democratic participation within their schools and communities.
The initiative received widespread appreciation from both participants and officials for its innovative approach to youth engagement. By combining anti-drug awareness with practical exposure to governance and democratic processes, "Be Deputy Commissioner for a Day 2.0" successfully reinforced the message that young people should embrace leadership, responsibility and civic participation while rejecting substance abuse.
Through this unique convergence of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the Special Intensive Revision campaign, the Lunglei District Administration demonstrated how governance education can play a vital role in shaping informed, responsible and empowered citizens for the future.
