Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reiterated his government’s commitment to transforming Punjab into the country’s premier education destination, ensuring that students no longer feel the need to seek quality education abroad in countries such as Canada and Australia.

Addressing the ‘Sitaare Zameen Te’ programme in Chandigarh, where meritorious students of Classes 8, 10, and 12 were felicitated, the Chief Minister said Punjab’s education sector has witnessed a remarkable turnaround over the past four years. He noted that sustained reforms, improved infrastructure, and focused investments have helped Punjab emerge as one of the leading states in school education.

Congratulating the students on their achievements, CM Mann said the success of government school students is a testament to the impact of the state’s ongoing ‘Shikhya Kranti’ (Education Revolution). He pointed out that a majority of this year’s board examination toppers are girls, describing it as a proud moment for Punjab and a reflection of growing confidence and empowerment among young women.

The Chief Minister stated that government schools, once overlooked, are now setting new standards of excellence and producing outstanding results at the national level. He highlighted that 359 students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools qualified the JEE Main examination this year, demonstrating the effectiveness of the reforms introduced by the state government.

Emphasising the importance of modern and quality education, Mann said the government has focused on building students’ confidence, upgrading educational infrastructure, and exposing teachers to international best practices. Teachers have been sent to countries such as Finland and Singapore for specialised training, enabling them to bring innovative teaching methods and global standards into Punjab’s classrooms.

He said the government is promoting knowledge-based education that encourages understanding, critical thinking, and innovation rather than rote learning. According to him, these initiatives are helping students become more confident, capable, and prepared for future challenges.

Encouraging students to remain humble despite their success, the Chief Minister urged them to continue working hard and stay focused on excellence. He remarked that today’s students are confident enough to question even the Chief Minister, reflecting the positive and open learning environment being created in schools across the state.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains also highlighted the significant improvements made in Punjab’s school infrastructure, stating that every child studying in government schools now has access to proper classroom facilities. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who attended the event, called for comprehensive reforms in India’s examination system, stressing that students should be assessed on their overall abilities and skills rather than being judged solely through a three-hour examination.

Students attending the programme also shared their experiences, appreciating the Punjab Government’s efforts to improve education, strengthen school facilities, boost confidence, and create new opportunities for learning and growth.

With large-scale reforms, international teacher training, improved infrastructure, and student-focused initiatives yielding visible results, the Punjab Government believes its Education Revolution is laying the foundation for a brighter future and establishing Punjab as a leading education hub in India.