CHANDIGARH, March 30, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday presented a detailed four-year report card of the state’s “Education Revolution” under the series “Shandaar Chaar Saal Bhagwant Mann De Naal,” highlighting major reforms, record investments, and improved learning outcomes in government schools.
The Chief Minister described education as the backbone of Punjab’s development and said that continuous reforms have transformed government schools into model institutions, delivering strong results across the country.
Record Investment and Top National Ranking
CM Mann said that the Punjab government has significantly increased spending on education, raising the budget from ₹12,657 crore in 2021–22 to ₹19,279 crore in 2026–27. He said this reflects the government’s strong commitment to improving education.
Highlighting national achievements, he said Punjab ranked number one in the National Achievement Survey 2024, surpassing states like Kerala. He added that government school students scored 18% higher than the national average.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that there has been zero paper leak in the last four years, calling it a matter of pride for the state.
Government Schools Now Compete with Private Schools
CM Mann said that earlier governments had neglected education, reducing schools to just mid-day meal centers. He said the current government has completely transformed the system.
“Today, government schools in Punjab are providing facilities equal to private schools. Parents now have better options for their children’s education,” he said.
He also announced that from April 1, parents will receive regular updates about student attendance and teacher leaves, ensuring greater accountability in the system.
Major Achievements in Results and Infrastructure
The Chief Minister said that in recent years, 740 students have cleared JEE and 1,284 students have cleared NEET exams from government schools.
He informed that 118 Schools of Eminence are being set up, out of which 60 are already functional. These schools are helping students achieve their goals by offering quality education based on their interests and abilities.
He added that over 24 lakh parents participated in mega PTM meetings, showing strong public engagement in the education system.
The government has also provided free uniforms to 30,000 students and introduced coaching for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT, and Armed Forces preparation.
Teacher Recruitment and Global Training
Since April 2022, the government has recruited 14,525 teachers and regularized the services of 12,316 employees in the education department.
To improve teaching quality, teachers and principals have been sent for international training. Eight batches of 264 officers and teachers were sent to Singapore, while 216 primary teachers were trained in Finland.
In addition, five batches of head teachers received leadership training at IIM Ahmedabad. A science teacher from Amritsar also participated in a program at California State University, USA.
Better Facilities and Digital Push
CM Mann said that the government has focused on improving infrastructure and safety in schools. Thousands of staff, including campus managers, security guards, sanitation workers, and chowkidars, have been appointed.
High-speed fiber Wi-Fi has been installed in all government schools with a budget of ₹20 crore, making Punjab the only state in India to achieve this.
New classrooms, science labs, computer labs, medical rooms, playgrounds, and separate toilets for boys and girls have been built. Students are now receiving books on time along with free uniforms.
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Mentorship
The government has launched the Business Blaster scheme to promote entrepreneurship among students. Under this initiative, students have collectively generated business worth ₹70 crore through innovative ideas.
Punjab has also become the first state to introduce entrepreneurship as a subject in Class 11.
The School Mentorship Program has been launched, where IAS, IPS, and senior officers guide students in their career paths.
Higher Education and Language Initiatives
In higher education, Punjab has introduced the country’s first Digital Open University Policy 2026. A world-class university will be established at Sri Anandpur Sahib in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Guru Nanak Dev University has implemented a Punjabi-first policy to improve access for rural students. An online admission portal has also been launched for government colleges to ensure transparency.
The government is also strengthening Punjabi language and culture. Punjabi has been made mandatory in official work under the Punjab Language Act. Over 18,550 books have been digitized, along with rare manuscripts.
The ‘Shabdmala e-dictionary’ has been launched as an Android app, and literary initiatives are being promoted across the state.
Focus on Accountability and Continuous Reform
CM Mann said that this education report card is part of a continuous accountability process. Earlier, similar reports were presented for sectors like health, irrigation, sports, and law and order.
He said that the government is committed to improving every sector and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every citizen.
