The District Collector’s Internship Program (DCIP), which gives youth an opportunity to engage in development and social initiatives in Kozhikode, has completed ten years of service.
The program is believed to be the first internship initiative nationally to offer structured exposure to public administration, according to Treasury officials.
It was in June 2015 that the DCIP was formally launched by the then Collector N. Prasanth as part of the Compassionate Kozhikode project in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K). Partners included Azim Premji University and National Service Scheme.
“The program seeks to enable interns to gain a deep understanding of public administration and ensure their active participation in the development of the district and welfare systems right from the planning stage itself. It aims to support practical interventions, especially in addressing the problems of marginalized sections,” said a senior revenue official associated with the program. He added that the program has helped several young people develop problem-solving skills and adopt a constructive approach to management.
According to officials, the project primarily targets vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, members of Scheduled Tribe communities, widows and the homeless, and residents of government welfare homes. The program has already received two awards from the Chief Minister for its role in containing Nipah, they said.
Over the past 10 years, DCIP has been instrumental in major district level initiatives such as Operation Sulaimani, Rehabilitation of Mental Health Patients, Compassionate Kozhikode Project, Zero Waste Kozhikode Project, Campuses of Kozhikode Program and initiatives like Kayyethum Doorathu, Udayam and Puthulahari. The project involved more than 400 students from leading national and international educational institutions such as the London School of Economics, Indian Institutes of Management and National Institutes of Technology.
A release from the district administration said that applications are open for the 32nd batch and aspirants can apply online through www.dcip.co.in till February 20. The selection process will take place in two phases. Selected candidates will not be entitled to any payment or scholarship. For details contact: 98477-64000 or 0495-2370200.
Published – 18 Feb 2026 19:39 IST