177/2026-2027

Lunglei, 17 June 2026: The Lunglei District Administration on Wednesday successfully organised "Be Deputy Commissioner for a Day 2.0", an innovative initiative of Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann, IAS, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) and in convergence with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026. Held under the theme "Say No to Drugs, Yes to Democracy (Special Intensive Revision)", the programme provided thirteen students with firsthand exposure to governance and public administration while fostering awareness about substance abuse prevention and democratic participation.

The participants comprised thirteen students drawn from schools across Lunglei District. Most were academically meritorious students nominated and selected by their respective schools based on their performance and potential. In addition, one participant was a Child with Special Needs (CwSN), specially identified and nominated by education officials to ensure inclusivity in the programme. Two students were selected through a Wildcard Entry round, in which interested students submitted short write-ups explaining why they wished to participate in the initiative. The participants included Janet R. Lalremsangi (Govt Electric Veng High School), F. Lalhruaizeli (Govt Leitlangpui High School), ZS Malsawmsanga Sailo (Govt High School, Lunglei), C. Lalbiakdika (Baptist Higher Secondary School, Serkawn), Ramdinmawia (Govt Rahsiveng High School), Jenny Malsawmdawngi (Govt Bazar High School), Ruthi Lalzarmawii (Holy Faith School), Cindy B. Lalvensangi (Sacred Heart School), Lalrinpuia Fanai (Govt Venglai High School), Zomuansangi (FLKM School), Jonathan Malsawmtluanga (Bethesda Higher Secondary School), Freddy Lalawmpuia and Lalzawmliani (2nd Battalion MAP English Medium School).

The programme commenced with a Welcome and Orientation Session at the Deputy Commissioner's Office, where the students were introduced to the role and responsibilities of the Deputy Commissioner and the functioning of the district administration. This was followed by an office tour during which they visited various sections, including Planning, Establishment, Aadhaar Cell, Disaster Management and Election, and interacted with officials to gain a better understanding of their responsibilities.

A major highlight of the programme was the Mock Morning Briefing held at the DC Conference Hall. Students were divided into groups and took turns assuming the role of Deputy Commissioner while listening to presentations by various departments, including DRDO, Election, Revenue, Police, DDMA and Health. The exercise enabled the participants to understand administrative coordination, decision-making and governance processes.

The students later participated in a Press Conference at the Deputy Commissioner's Chamber, where they took turns acting as Deputy Commissioner and responded to questions from media personnel on various issues concerning governance, development and public welfare. The exercise provided valuable exposure to leadership, public communication and decision-making. 

Following lunch, the participants undertook field visits to various locations, including the Health ATM at Civil Hospital, Lunglei, and the Cosmic Class initiative at Govt Leitlangpui Higher Secondary School, Lunglei. As part of the programme's special focus on democratic participation, the students were also attached to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and observed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) activities in the field, including household visits and voter outreach efforts.

The programme concluded with a Reflection and Sharing Session, during which the students shared their experiences, discussed the challenges they encountered and reflected on the lessons they learned about leadership, governance and public service. Certificates of participation were distributed, followed by closing remarks and a group photograph.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Pi Navneet Mann expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm and active participation shown by the students. She encouraged them to become ambassadors of positive change in their schools and communities by promoting both a drug-free lifestyle and active democratic participation.

The programme was widely appreciated by participants and officials alike and successfully provided young students with firsthand exposure to the responsibilities of public administration. Through its unique convergence of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls, the initiative reinforced the message that the youth should choose leadership over addiction and democracy over drugs.