Dehradun: In a move that blends inspiration with innovation, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a unique initiative that will allow school toppers to serve as District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) for a day in their respective districts. The scheme, aimed at empowering youth and fostering civic awareness, is being hailed as a bold step in experiential education.
The initiative will be rolled out across all districts, giving Class 10 and 12 toppers the opportunity to step into the shoes of top administrative officers. According to CM Dhami, the goal is to instill confidence, offer real-world exposure, and motivate students to aim higher in life. “This symbolic gesture is about more than just recognition—it’s about nurturing leadership and civic responsibility,” he said.
Selected students will be given access to district offices
A detailed action plan is currently being prepared to implement the scheme uniformly. The selected students will be given access to district offices, attend meetings, and observe the functioning of local governance under the guidance of actual DMs and SPs. The experience is expected to leave a lasting impression on the young minds, potentially shaping future bureaucrats, leaders, and changemakers.
Echoes the 2001 movie ‘Nayak’
The announcement has sparked excitement among students and educators alike. “It’s like a dream come true,” said a Class 12 topper from Almora. “We’ve all seen Nayak and imagined what it would be like to make decisions that impact people’s lives. Now we get a glimpse of that responsibility.”
In the 2001 film Nayak, Anil Kapoor’s character uses his one-day CM tenure to root out corruption, streamline public services, and connect directly with citizens. While Uttarakhand’s initiative is symbolic and educational, the parallels are hard to miss. The film’s message—that even a single day of honest leadership can spark change—resonates deeply with this real-life experiment in governance.
To organize “River Festivals” across the state
Alongside the education initiative, CM Dhami has also directed officials to organize “River Festivals” across the state. These events, named after major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Alaknanda, aim to promote cleanliness, conservation, and cultural reverence for water bodies. “Rivers are not just water sources—they are lifelines and symbols of our heritage,” Dhami said. The festivals will include public participation drives, awareness campaigns, and cultural programs to foster a sense of environmental stewardship.
