Located along the India-Myanmar border, IAS Mohammad Aaquib, a 2021 Batch Officer of AGMUT Cadre and currently posted as collector of Champhai District in Mizoram is focusing on two key areas: education and livelihood. Keeping in mind the realities of a border district, he quoted “Champhai is a strategically important yet a close-knit district ,if we can bring small but meaningful change in education and create sustainable livelihoods, the impact over time could be significant”

Under the state’s District Transformation Programme, the administration has launched “Project LEAD” covering around 60-70 schools. The initiative adopts a structured approach, foundational literacy and numeracy at the primary level and stronger science and mathematics learning at middle and secondary levels. Teachers are being trained first, followed by development of practical learning modules to make classrooms more activity based and engaging. “Education takes time. We are starting with teacher training and expect improvements over the academic cycle” 

On the livelihood front, multiple small-scale initiatives are being pursued. Women linked to self-help groups are being trained in stitching, T-shirt printing and cloth bag making using recycled fabric. "We don’t want this to end with training. The idea is to help some groups build a small brand and sustain their work" he says. The district is also exploring ways to provide machinery, help in marketing and link these groups with institutional orders such as school-related requirements.

The district is also looking at strengthening sericulture and horticulture.Solar powered support for sericulture farmers in select villages,while greenhouse-based tomato cultivation aim to introduce modern techniques. With Champhai already producing grapes, cabbage, tomatoes and passion fruit, technology-driven interventions are expected to boost productivity and incomes.

With these initiatives ,IAS Mohammad Aaquib aims to bring meaningful and long lasting growth to the district.