3 days ago
‘Prashasan se Parichay' : From understanding dairy models to key govt functioning, Haryana students of Sirsa experience learning beyond textbooks
Setting a model for the rest of the country, Sirsa district administration in Haryana is quietly transforming civic education with a pioneering initiative that brings governance closer to young citizens. Titled 'Prashasan se Parichay', this civic exposure programme is offering school and college students a rare, structured opportunity to experience government functioning first-hand — not through textbooks, but through direct engagement.
Under the initiative launched in October 2024, five meritorious students currently in Classes 9 to 12 are invited from each school to understand the functioning of government offices in a two-day module. The programme has been designed in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasising experiential learning.
The selection is based on their academic performance in Classes 8, 9, 10, and 11 during 2023–24. On Mondays, students observe the working of various government offices, while Thursdays are dedicated to field visits to industries and enterprises.
'It's not just an event — it's a looped, replicable model that places young learners at the heart of real government functioning,' said Lakshit Sareen, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sirsa, told The Indian Express.
What sets the initiative apart is its immersive, hands-on approach. On Mondays, students observe key government functions — from Samadhan Shivirs handling public grievances to RTA and police departments explaining road safety and the FIR process. They learn about child protection mechanisms at the District Child Protection Office (DCPO), digitised service delivery through the District Citizen Resources Information Office (DCRIO), and grassroots governance at the Zila Parishad, Block Development Program Office. (BDPO), and Municipal Council. Sessions with the Additional Deputy Commissioner provide broader insights into the administrative framework.
Thursdays connect students with the economic backbone of the region. They visit white shrimp farming units (Sirsa leads North India in this sector), Miyawaki forests developed by the Forest Department, the Vita milk plant illustrating cooperative dairy models, and procurement mandis that sustain the rural economy. These experiences provide a comprehensive understanding of how governance and development intersect on the ground.
'Exposure to real-world enterprises also helps them make informed choices about vocational subjects or future careers,' said officials from the Sirsa district administration.
So far, 160 students have directly participated in the programme — 70 from seven government colleges, 70 from 14 Centre-run PM SHRI senior secondary schools, 19 from four private schools, and 9 toppers from Class 10 and 12, said Sareen.
After completing a day module, each student delivers a speech in their school's morning assembly, addressing around 100 peers. They also submit reflective essays — with awards for the best entries — and proudly wear their 'Administration Ambassador' badges.
Educators have responded enthusiastically. For many students, particularly first-generation learners, this has been their first meaningful interaction with public institutions. The programme fosters not just awareness, but also curiosity, confidence, and a deeper sense of civic identity, according to the feedback of students provided through essays.
'The core idea is to make governance real and inspiring for the youth. It's been heartening to see students return not just with knowledge, but with a sense of purpose,' said Sareen.
At a time when civic disengagement among youth is a growing concern, Sirsa's Prashasan se Parichay offers a powerful counter-narrative — students don't just learn about democracy; they are living it.
Amit Manhar, nodal officer of the programme, said that though the program has been designed for government schools and colleges private school students are also participating. 'We are getting overwhelming response from the students and their principals,' Manhar said.
Tejasvi, a Class 11 humanities student from Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Nathusari Kalan, shared her thoughts:
'It was an enriching experience to be part of Prashasan se Parichay. We learned about solid waste management and how 120 tonnes of garbage is transported daily to the dump site. I also had the opportunity to interact with the District Rural Officer and understand how the official machinery functions.'
Kritika, a Class 11 student from The Sirsa School, a private institution, echoed similar sentiments:
'My hesitation about visiting government offices disappeared after seeing how various departments work during our visit two weeks ago. It's important to gain practical knowledge beyond just reading theory. We interacted with the Sanitary Inspector and attended a Samadhan Shivir — a platform that addresses public grievances directly.'
The programme is an initiative by the District Administration, Sirsa, conceptualized and led by Lakshit Sareen, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sirsa.
Shantnu Sharma Deputy Commissioner, Sirsa is guiding the whole team, said Manhar.
