Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday claimed that his government’s sustained efforts to strengthen government schools, modernize educational infrastructure and invest in teacher training have transformed the state into the country’s top performer in school education.
Inaugurating the ₹5 crore Vardhman Block at Government Primary School, Lohara, the Chief Minister said that the remarkable success of government school students in competitive examinations such as NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) and the Punjab State Talent Search Examination (PSTSE) reflects the far-reaching impact of the government’s education reforms and reaffirmed that education remains the most powerful instrument for eliminating poverty and empowering future generations.
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Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the new block at Government Primary School, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This new block has been constructed at a cost of ₹5 crore. The entire cost has been borne by the Vardhman Textiles Group, for which I sincerely thank the group’s leadership. The new block comprises 18 classrooms for students, along with furniture, and three rooms for the teaching staff.”
The Chief Minister said, “The Vardhman Textiles Group has been making a significant contribution towards strengthening educational infrastructure, particularly in government schools. The group has also constructed school buildings in the government schools of Lohara, Giaspura, Kasabad, Ladowal, Sekhewal and others. No freebie or concession can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state, but education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living.”
He noted, “Due to the strenuous efforts of his government, Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle-school education. The state government has upgraded primary and middle-school education, strengthened the system, introduced smart classrooms and provided advanced training to teachers. As a result of these efforts, Punjab is excelling in the school education sector and NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, one of the Government of India’s premier institutions, has released new figures showing that Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle-school education.”
“For the last four years, the state government focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods and smart classrooms, and today Punjab stands at the top. Earlier Kerala held the top position, but now Punjab has claimed the number one rank with a huge margin. More such efforts will be made in the coming time too. Education is the light that illuminates the world by dispelling darkness; therefore, the state government is laying a special thrust on it,” he added.
The Chief Minister said, “Nearly three lakh students are studying in government schools across Ludhiana district, which has 16 Schools of Eminence, 11 Schools of Brilliance and 35 Schools of Happiness. Two more Schools of Eminence at Millerganj and Division No. 3, Ludhiana, have been completed and will soon be dedicated to the public. As many as 146 students qualified the NEET examination, 33 students qualified the JEE Main examination, nine students qualified the JEE Advanced examination and 47 students qualified the PSTSE.”
