Patiala Administration Launches Public Policy Internship Programme to Give Youth First-Hand Exposure to Governance and Public Policy
By Amrit Pal Sidhu @ Babushahi Network
Patiala, June 16:
In a unique initiative by the District Administration Patiala aimed at providing young people with first-hand exposure to administrative functioning and public policy, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal interacted with the candidates selected for the two-month “Public Policy Internship Programme.”
During the special orientation programme, he introduced the interns to the workings of government administration and motivated them to contribute meaningfully to the implementation of public policies at the grassroots level and to the district’s development initiatives.
The programme, conceptualized under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner and being implemented through the District Bureau of Employment and Enterprises (DBEE), Patiala, seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical governance.
Addressing the selected interns, Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal stated that the experience gained while working across various government departments would prove immensely valuable for their future careers. He informed that around 400 applications were received for the programme, out of which 50 interns were selected.
The Deputy Commissioner interacted individually with the candidates to understand their educational backgrounds and areas of interest. To ensure the effective utilization of their skills and potential, each intern was assigned to a government department based on his or her academic qualifications and personal interests.
He emphasized that the programme would serve as a milestone in shaping the future of young people and nurturing leadership qualities among them.
Dr. Aggarwal further stated that this internship programme would create a mutually beneficial learning environment. While administrative departments would gain from the fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and energy of young minds, the interns would get an opportunity to closely observe and understand the intricacies of government functioning.
He noted that this practical exposure would significantly enhance their future career prospects.
Additionally, the certificate issued by the District Magistrate upon successful completion of the programme would prove beneficial while seeking employment opportunities.
Highlighting the importance of citizen engagement in governance, he remarked that while people often point out shortcomings in the system, young interns who observe government offices and administrative procedures from within would be in a better position to provide constructive suggestions and recommendations for further improvement based on their firsthand experiences.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that all interns would now work on various projects under the supervision of senior officers from their respective departments. The overall monitoring and coordination of the internship programme and project work will be undertaken by DBEE Deputy CEO Satinder Singh and Career Counsellor Dr. Roopsi Pahuja.
Among those present during the orientation programme were DMC Dr. Jaswinder Singh from the Civil Surgeon’s Office, Red Cross Secretary Dr. Pritpal Singh, District Sports Officer Navjot Singh, District Information Officer Harkrishan Singh, officials from the District Education Officer (Secondary) office, and representatives from several other government departments