Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, provided a detailed overview of the state government’s progress in the education sector during a press briefing. The report highlighted substantial reforms, increased financial allocations, and enhanced educational outcomes achieved over the past four years.
Under the “Shandaar Char Saal Bhagwant Mann de naal” initiative, Mann emphasized the success of the government’s “Shiksha Kranti” program in transforming public schools into competitive and results-oriented institutions. The education budget has seen a significant boost, rising from Rs 12,657 crore in 2021–22 to Rs 19,279 crore in 2026–27, showcasing a strong commitment to the sector. Notably, the allocation for the current fiscal year is approximately 7% higher than the previous year.
Describing it as an “education revolution,” Mann highlighted the substantial infrastructure improvements in schools. He underlined the efforts undertaken by the AAP government in the past four years, alongside Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. Mann expressed concern over paper leaks in other states, citing Gujarat as a hotspot for such incidents and proudly stating that Punjab has remained free from such occurrences.
Mann stressed the transformative power of education in uplifting individuals from poverty, especially underserved children who view education as a catalyst for change in their lives. He shared a personal anecdote about his journey to becoming Chief Minister, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and positive belief.
The Chief Minister accused previous administrations of fostering a gap between private and public schools but asserted that his government has bridged this divide by enhancing infrastructure and elevating teaching standards. He claimed that government schools in Punjab now stand on par with private institutions, offering parents a credible schooling alternative.
To enhance transparency, Mann announced that starting April 1, parents will receive notifications about their child’s absences and teachers’ leaves. He also highlighted academic achievements, with Punjab ranking first in the National Achievement Survey 2024. Moreover, government school students outperformed the national average by 18%, with notable successes in competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
Mann disclosed plans for establishing 118 Schools of Eminence across the state, with 60 already operational, focusing on specialized education and career guidance. He praised the active participation of around 24 lakh parents in large-scale parent-teacher meetings, emphasizing community involvement.
The Chief Minister introduced free bus services for girl students in government schools and Schools of Eminence, benefitting approximately 15,500 students. He also highlighted recent staffing initiatives, including the recruitment of 14,525 teachers since April 2022 and the regularization of 12,316 education department employees.
In terms of professional development, Mann mentioned sending batches of teachers, principals, and education officers abroad for training. Notably, teachers received training in Singapore, primary teachers in Finland, and headmasters underwent leadership training at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.
Infrastructure enhancements included upgrades to classrooms, science labs, libraries, and playgrounds, along with the provision of high-speed Wi-Fi in all government schools. Additional staff such as campus managers, security guards, and sanitation workers were deployed to ensure the safety and maintenance of school facilities.
Mann highlighted the Business Blaster program aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills among students, with collective business ideas generating around Rs 70 crore. He reiterated the government’s commitment to launching the second phase of education reforms with a budget of Rs 3,500 crore, supported by the World Bank, to further fortify the education sector.