Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his government’s education reforms had transformed the state’s government school system, with Punjab moving from 27th in education in 2021 to the top position in primary education. He said the government’s vision was to make Punjab a global education hub.
Addressing a state-level Teachers’ Day function in Mohali, Mann said international training for teachers, 118 Schools of Eminence, Wi-Fi connectivity in 16,348 schools and greater parent participation through parent-teacher meetings had driven the change. Fifty teachers were also honoured at the event for their services.
A total of 50 teachers, including 21 primary and 29 secondary teachers, received State Awards, while 10 teachers, including four primary and six secondary teachers, received Young Teacher Awards.
Congratulating them, Mann said, “Your hard work, dedication and passion are laying the foundation for Punjab’s golden future. Our government considers education not merely a department but a crucial pillar of Punjab’s journey of socio-economic transformation.”
Mann said there was no shortage of funds for improving the standard of education and schools. He said Punjab had emerged as a leading state in the country in education because of the hard work, dedication and commitment of teachers, making every Punjabi proud.
Referring to international-level training for teachers, Mann said 234 principals and education officers had received training in Singapore, 152 headmasters had been trained at IIM Ahmedabad and 144 primary teachers had received training from the University of Turku in Finland.
“We have provided international-level training to our teachers so that children studying in government schools can receive education of global standards. Training teachers abroad has changed the education system of government schools. We are preparing our teachers and students to compete anywhere in the world,” he said.
Mann said the Schools of Eminence had raised the standard of education. “We have transformed 118 Schools of Eminence with modern infrastructure at a cost of Rs 88.67 crore. Through these modern projects, we are ensuring that every child of Punjab becomes capable of competing anywhere in the world,” he said.
The chief minister said his government had spent Rs 211.58 crore on school safety and basic infrastructure improvements. To ensure a clean and safe environment in schools, 1,917 campus managers, 1,316 security guards, 7,113 sanitation workers and 1,785 chowkidars had been deployed, he said.
Mann said the Punjab government had allocated more than Rs 47 crore for free uniforms, while books had been distributed to schools on time. “More than 20 trades are being taught under vocational education in 1,490 senior secondary schools across Punjab. These initiatives are enabling our students to acquire practical skills,” he said.
– Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Sep 5, 2026 20:23 IST
