Under AAP Govt, Punjab Schools become No. 1 in education, tops National Achievement Survey & even surpasses Kerala: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

CHANDIGARH; Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday presented a detailed four-year report card of the Punjab Government’s “Shiksha Kranti” under the “Shandaar Char Saal Bhagwant Mann de naal” series, laying out how sustained reforms have transformed government schools into competitive, outcome-driven institutions delivering national-leading results. Positioning ‘Shikhya Kranti’ as the backbone of Punjab’s growth story, the Chief Minister highlighted top rankings in national assessments, record academic outcomes, zero paper leaks, and unprecedented investment in infrastructure and teacher training.

The Chief Minister underscored that this transformation has been backed by a sharp rise in financial commitment, with the education budget increasing from ₹12,657 crore in 2021–22 to ₹19,279 crore in 2026–27, reflecting the AAP government’s sustained prioritisation of the sector. The Chief Minister noted that this education report card comes as part of a broader accountability exercise, following similar four-year performance presentations in key sectors such as irrigation, health, sports, and law and order, reflecting the government’s focus on measurable delivery across governance.

Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann outlined a wide-ranging overhaul of school and higher education, highlighting structural reforms, record investments, and measurable outcomes achieved over the past four years. “Countries that prioritised education have progressed in every field. In our country, education was divided between private and government schools, creating a deep divide. Previous regimes reduced schools to centres for mid day meals, but our government has transformed the entire system,” he stated.

The Chief Minister added, “Government schools have now been developed at par with private schools, giving parents a genuine choice. From April 1, parents will be informed about their child’s absence from school and even about teachers’ leave, ensuring accountability at every level. Unlike several other states, especially Gujarat, not a single paper leak has occurred in Punjab in the last four years, which is a matter of immense pride.”

Emphasising the centrality of education in governance, the Chief Minister noted, “Education contributes the most to the progress and prosperity of any state or country. Over the past four years, we have given it the highest priority. Earlier, under the name of ‘Smart Schools’, people and innocent children were misled. Schools were merely painted and beautified without proper facilities or teachers. Today, government schools in Punjab stand at par with private institutions, and our education model is being discussed across the country.”

Highlighting financial commitment, he said, “A budget of ₹19,279 crore has been allocated for the financial year 2026–27, which is 7% higher than last year. We are launching the second phase of the Education Revolution with ₹3,500 crore, with the World Bank as our partner, making it the largest education reform program.”

Listing key achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab secured the top position in the National Achievement Survey 2024, surpassing even Kerala, while Gujarat ranked 16th and Haryana around 7th or 8th. This achievement belongs to our government school teachers and students.”

He added, “In recent years, 740 students have cleared JEE and 1,284 have cleared NEET. Government school students scored 18% higher than the national average in the survey.”

Detailing institutional expansion, the Chief Minister noted, “118 Schools of Eminence are being established, of which 60 are already operational. These schools are helping talented students fulfil their dreams by offering education aligned with their abilities and interests. For the first time, 24 lakh parents have participated in mega PTMs.”

He further said, “Free uniforms have been provided to 30,000 students in these schools, and all streams, including Medical and Non-Medical, are available. Coaching for exams like Armed Forces Preparatory, NEET, JEE, and CLAT is also being provided.”

Focusing on inclusivity, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Free bus services have been started for girls in Schools of Eminence and government schools so that no girl is deprived of education. Around 15,500 students are benefiting.”

He added, “Since April 2022, 14,525 teachers have been recruited and services of 12,316 education department employees have been regularised. We are also ensuring world-class training for principals and teachers.”