Nibeditaa SpeaksA classroom lesson in leadership took an unusual turn for Payal Dixit, a Class 6 student from Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, when she got an opportunity to experience the responsibilities of a District Magistrate (DM) for a day. As part of the Mission Shakti campaign, Payal sat in the DM’s chair and reviewed public grievance applications during an official public hearing.
The initiative took place during the Navratri festival and aimed to familiarise a young girl with public service, administrative responsibilities and leadership. Farrukhabad District Magistrate Ankur Lather introduced Payal to the functioning of the district administration and explained how different officials work together to address public concerns.
Payal studies at an upper primary school in Pipargaon, Farrukhabad. Her experience offered a glimpse into the workings of government offices, where residents approach officials with complaints and requests for assistance.
Payal Dixit Reviews Public Grievances
During the public hearing, Payal listened to residents’ complaints and observed how grievance applications are received and handled by the administration.
According to a statement by District Magistrate Ankur Lather, shared in a video by news agency IANS on X, the initiative was organised under the ongoing Mission Shakti campaign. He explained that the student was invited to sit in the DM’s chair for a day and participate in the public grievance hearing as part of the programme.
Payal was also introduced to the administrative structure of the district. She learnt about the responsibilities of the Chief Development Officer (CDO), who oversees development-related work, and the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), who handles assigned administrative and revenue responsibilities.
The student was further familiarised with the roles of Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Circle Officers and Block Development Officers (BDOs), who perform important functions at the sub-divisional, circle and block levels.
The exercise provided Payal with an opportunity to observe how different officials coordinate their work and how citizens seek redressal for their grievances.
What Is Mission Shakti?
Mission Shakti is a government initiative focused on women’s safety, security and empowerment. It includes programmes intended to raise awareness, strengthen support systems and encourage opportunities for women and girls.
The initiative in Farrukhabad used the symbolic experience of a young student occupying the DM’s chair to introduce her to public administration and decision-making. Such activities can help young people understand how government institutions function and how public officials interact with citizens.
The programme also brought attention to the importance of exposing girls to leadership roles and public service from an early age.
A Classroom Lesson in Leadership and Public Service
For Payal, the experience offered a practical introduction to responsibilities that students generally encounter through textbooks and classroom discussions. Observing a public hearing allowed her to see how residents present their concerns and how officials work within the administrative system.
The initiative was a symbolic, one-day experience and did not constitute a formal appointment as District Magistrate. Instead, it was designed to familiarise the student with governance and administrative responsibilities.
Payal’s experience highlights how educational and public outreach initiatives can create opportunities for children to explore leadership beyond the classroom. By introducing students to public institutions, such programmes can encourage curiosity about civic responsibilities, governance and the role of government in addressing people’s everyday concerns.
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