Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Says State Aims to Become Global Education Hub

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has said his government aims to transform Punjab into a global education hub, highlighting a series of reforms in government schools and claiming that the state has made significant progress in primary education.

Speaking at a state-level Teachers’ Day programme in Mohali, Mann said Punjab's education system had undergone a major transformation since 2021. He credited teacher training, improved school infrastructure, Schools of Eminence and greater involvement of parents for the changes.

The Chief Minister said Punjab had moved from the 27th position in education in 2021 to the top position in primary education. He said the government was committed to further strengthening the school education system and ensuring that students in government schools receive opportunities comparable to global standards.

Mann highlighted international training programmes for teachers and education officials. According to him, 234 principals and education officers received training in Singapore, while 152 headmasters underwent training at IIM Ahmedabad. Another 144 primary teachers received training through the University of Turku in Finland.

He said such programmes were designed to improve teaching standards and prepare teachers and students to compete at national and international levels.

The Punjab government has also developed 118 Schools of Eminence with upgraded infrastructure. Mann said Rs 88.67 crore had been spent on modernising these institutions to improve the quality of education and provide students with better learning facilities.

The Chief Minister also highlighted investments in school safety and infrastructure. According to the government, Rs 211.58 crore has been spent on improving basic facilities and creating safer school environments.

Thousands of personnel, including campus managers, security guards, sanitation workers and chowkidars, have been deployed across schools as part of the initiative.

Mann further said that more than Rs 47 crore had been allocated for providing free uniforms to students, while books were distributed to schools on schedule.

Vocational education is also being expanded across Punjab. More than 20 trades are currently being taught in 1,490 senior secondary schools, with the aim of helping students develop practical and employment-oriented skills.

The Teachers’ Day event also saw teachers being honoured for their contribution to education. A total of 50 teachers received State Awards, including 21 primary and 29 secondary teachers. Ten others received Young Teacher Awards, including four primary and six secondary teachers.

Mann praised teachers for their contribution to Punjab's future and said education would remain a central part of the state's broader socio-economic development strategy. He maintained that the government's long-term goal was to strengthen public education and establish Punjab as a leading education destination.