12-05-2025
Collector's internship programme in Kozhikode completes a decade
The Kozhikode District Collector's Internship Programme (DCIP) has completed a decade, engaging youth in the grassroots machinery of governance.
It was launched in June 2015 as part of the 'Compassionate Kozhikode' initiative, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode. A release said on Monday (May 12) that over 300 interns had participated in the programme so far, contributing to areas such as public health, social welfare, environmental campaigns, education, disability support, and civic documentation. The interns collaborate with government departments and civil society organisations, assisting in background research, field logistics, citizen engagement, and communication.
The programme has played an important role in several noted initiatives of the Kozhikode administration, such as 'Operation Sulaimani', interventions at the Government Mental Health Centre at Kuthiravattam, 'Compassionate Kozhikode' scholarship distribution, the 'Zero Waste Kozhikode' campaign, and efforts under 'Enabling Kozhikode' to promote disability inclusion. During emergencies such as the Nipah outbreak, the floods of 2018, and the pandemic, the interns stepped in to support relief and public health efforts, including through coordination and communication.
In recent years, the focus of the internship has broadened to include employment support initiatives like Udyoga Jyothi, document distribution for persons with disabilities under the Sahamitra project, and provision of essential documents to Scheduled Tribe communities. The model has inspired similar internship structures in at least 10 other districts in Kerala.
Applications are currently open for the 30th batch of DCIP, which will run from May to September 2025. The internship is unpaid and open to graduates from any field of study. The last date to apply is May 15, and application forms are available at Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Further details can be obtained by contacting 96336 93211 or emailing projectcellclt@
