Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), September 5:- Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated today that his government's education reforms have completely transformed Punjab's government schools. He noted that in 2021, Punjab ranked 27th in the education sector, whereas today it has reached the top position in primary education. Alongside this, he announced the government's vision to establish Punjab as a global education hub.
During the state-level felicitation ceremony on Teachers' Day in Mohali, the Chief Minister highlighted international training for teachers, 118 'Schools of Eminence', Wi-Fi facilities in 16,348 schools, 'Business Blasters', and increased parental involvement through PTMs as key factors behind this transformation, while honoring 50 teachers for their outstanding service.
Sharing key highlights on X, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “On Teachers' Day, paid tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan at the state-level event in Mohali and honored teachers for their exceptional services. Elevating the education sector is our top priority. Providing international training for teachers, establishing 118 'Schools of Eminence', and installing Wi-Fi in 16,348 schools are major steps in this direction. Through the 'Business Blasters' program, we empower students to become job creators rather than job seekers. Let us together build an educated, skilled, and 'Rangla Punjab'. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Addressing the gathering at the state-level event in Mohali, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “My dream is to make Punjab a global education hub. Due to the revolutionary steps taken by our government in the education sector, the day is not far when teachers from all over the world will come to Punjab for training.”
Paying tribute to India's second President, great philosopher, and eminent scholar Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary, the Chief Minister said, “Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan gave the nation a message of knowledge, integrity, and service. He firmly believed that education is the greatest tool for human development. His life reflects academic excellence and moral values, which is why his birth anniversary is celebrated across the country to show respect and gratitude to teachers.”
During the awards ceremony, teachers who made significant contributions to Punjab's education sector were honored. A total of 50 teachers (including 21 primary and 29 secondary teachers) received State Awards, while 10 teachers (4 primary and 6 secondary) received the 'Young Teacher Award'. Additionally, 4 teachers received special teacher awards, 6 received administrative awards, and 5 awards were nominated by the Education Minister.
Congratulating all the award winners, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Your hard work, dedication, and commitment are laying the foundation for Punjab's bright future. Our government views education not merely as a department, but as a crucial pillar in Punjab's journey toward socio-economic transformation.”
Extending warm wishes on Teachers' Day, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “There is no shortage of funds to improve the quality of education and schools. Due to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our teachers, Punjab has emerged as a leading state in the education sector nationwide, a matter of great pride for every Punjabi. I extend special thanks to our teachers for this historic achievement and hope you will continue to illuminate young minds with the light of knowledge.”
Highlighting international training for teachers, he shared that 234 principals and education officers were trained in Singapore, 152 headmasters received training at IIM Ahmedabad, and 144 primary teachers received world-class training at the University of Turku in Finland.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked, “We provided international-level training to our teachers so that students studying in government schools receive world-class education. Sending teachers abroad for training has driven a major transformation in the government school system. We are preparing our teachers and students to compete anywhere in the world.”
Referring to the 'School of Eminence' initiative, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “‘Schools of Eminence’ have significantly raised educational standards. We transformed 118 'Schools of Eminence' with modern infrastructure at a cost of Rs 88.67 crore. Through these modern projects, we ensure that every child in Punjab is equipped to compete globally.”
The Chief Minister shared that his government spent Rs 211.58 crore on school safety and infrastructure improvements. To ensure a clean and secure environment in schools, 1,917 campus managers, 1,316 security guards, 7,113 sanitation workers, and 1,785 watchmen have been deployed.
He added, “Under the digital revolution, we installed Wi-Fi connections in 16,348 schools. Furthermore, we are spending Rs 488.67 crore to upgrade classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and toilets. These facilities are essential for delivering world-class education to our children.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann informed that the Punjab Government allocated a budget of over Rs 47 crore for free uniforms, alongside ensuring timely textbook distribution across schools. Transport facilities have also been introduced for students from classes 6 to 12. Under the nutrition scheme, nearly 1.6 million government school students receive nutritious meals.
Highlighting the 'Business Blasters' program, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Through 'Business Blasters', we empower our students to become job creators instead of job seekers. Under this program, Rs 10.32 crore in 'seed money' was distributed among 1.83 lakh students to work on their business ideas. Our objective is to empower youth to generate employment opportunities for themselves and others.”
Emphasizing the importance of vocational education, he noted, “More than 20 vocational trades are being taught across 1,490 senior secondary schools in Punjab. These initiatives help our students acquire practical skills. The goal of 'Business Blasters' and vocational education is to make students employment generators rather than job seekers.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “Being the son of a teacher, I deeply understand the challenges teachers face.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remarked that schools are temples of learning, and introducing Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) in government schools has significantly enhanced parental involvement in children's education. He said, “Previously, parent-teacher meetings at this scale were unheard of in government schools. In the latest PTM, over 2.4 million parents attended. It brings immense pride and satisfaction to see a rickshaw puller attending a PTM to learn about his child's progress. This demonstrates how the Punjab government is empowering the common man through the education system.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that for the first time, 881 students cleared the JEE and NEET exams, calling it a major achievement of the government school education system.
The Chief Minister concluded, “When I took the oath in 2022, Punjab ranked 27th in the education sector. Today, Punjab has reached the top spot in primary education, surpassing Kerala, which held that position for a long time. This transformation was made possible through the positive efforts of the Punjab government in education.”
He affirmed that his government's relentless efforts for public welfare will continue into the future. He added, “We consider education not just a department, but the core engine of Punjab's transformation. We will continue strengthening our schools, providing world-class training to teachers, and creating better opportunities for our children. Together, teachers and the government will build an educated, skilled, and prosperous 'Rangla Punjab'.”
Local MLA Kulwant Singh, Education Secretary Sonali Giri, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.