Government school toppers in Punjab are set to swap their classrooms for command centres — at least for a day. In a new initiative titled “Ek Din, DC/SSP de Sang”, the Bhagwant Mann-led state government is offering outstanding students a rare opportunity to shadow district administrators and senior police officers, giving them firsthand exposure to governance, leadership, and public service.
Announced by Punjab’s School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday, the initiative selects six top-performing students from each district — three from Class X and three from Class XII — to spend a day with their respective Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The move aims to fuel ambition, foster civic engagement, and instill in these young minds a deeper understanding of how governance functions on the ground.
“This program is not just a reward for academic excellence, but a step towards shaping future leaders,” said Bains. “By spending a day with top district officials, students will witness how decisions are made, how challenges are tackled, and how officers lead from the front. It’s an experience that could transform their outlook and inspire them to dream beyond conventional boundaries.”
The curated day will include participation in official meetings, visits to cyber cells, attendance at grievance redressal sessions, field inspections of developmental projects, and strategy discussions. Students will also enjoy a shared lunch with the DC and SSP, creating a space for mentorship, open dialogue, and career guidance.
At the end of the day, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Participation, a motivational book or diary, and a group photograph with the officers. Each district will compile student reflections into a “District Merit Booklet”, documenting the initiative’s impact. Schools will further encourage these students to share their learnings with peers, thereby inspiring a broader culture of excellence and ambition.
By opening the doors of power corridors to meritorious students, the Punjab Government is sending a clear message — leadership is not confined to privilege — it is within the reach of every deserving child. “We are building bridges between talent and opportunity,” said Bains, “and reminding every student that their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and their future can be as bold as their aspirations.”
