Since its launch in 2015, Kozhikode’s District Collector Internship Programme (DCIP) has become a standout experiment in youth engagement and governance. The four-month non-stipendiary internship allows young graduates to work closely with the district administration, contributing to social welfare, disaster response, citizen-centric development, and public service design.

Over 30 batches have been run so far; interns have stepped in during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerala floods, and the Nipah outbreak, supporting relief, rehabilitation, and coordination efforts. They engage with programmes like Compassionate Kozhikode, Operation Sulaimani, Enabling Kozhikode and others, often working from project conception through implementation. 

Though it’s unpaid, DCIP offers interns intangible but powerful returns: real-world policymaking experience, understanding of public systems, critical thinking, and problem solving in local contexts. The programme has built a reputation that draws hundreds of applications each batch.

As the DCIP enters its 10th year, its legacy is clearer: a bridge between government and citizens, a proving ground for young changemakers, and a model that other districts may look to replicate for more inclusive and responsive governance.