The Zunheboto District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) meeting was held on 12th December 2025 at Deputy Commissioner's conference hall, Zunheboto under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Dharam Raj, IAS.

Discussing on the agenda forwarded by the Deputy Commissioner on Students' Internship Programme, the board thoroughly deliberately over focusing on official launch of the initiative including all the line departments in the district, while aligning Zunheboto district to be the first district to introduce such an initiative for college students, for whom internships have become mandatory.

DC, Dharam Raj mentioned that the initiative wouldn't stretch departments any significant resources beyond providing interns with basic seating arrangements in offices. “With the implementation of NEP 2020, internships are now compulsory. We all know there is a shortage of manpower, and having interns will provide an additional helping hand and bring innovation. It’s a win–win situation for everyone.” the DC added.

He further included that since internships are required for college students’ now; other departments could also be included in the programme.

Dy. CMO, Zunheboto, Dr. Antoly Swu and District Programme Officer, DISHA Zunheboto, Hokishe Chophy while appealing to the departments, emphasised the need to involve medical department in their respective programmes in order to spread awareness on key issues like rampant surge of HIV/AIDS positive cases, tobacco hazards etc. in the district.

Earlier, the meeting began with the introduction of new board members and review of the previous sitting from District Planning Officer, David Sema.

 (IA Zunheboto)