Punjab Achieves Top Rank in National Education Survey, CM Mann Presents Four-Year Report Card
In a significant announcement from Chandigarh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann revealed that the state has secured the highest position in the Grade 9 category of the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024. This achievement was highlighted as part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's comprehensive four-year report card on the education sector, showcasing a series of reforms and investments aimed at transforming public schooling.
Surpassing Competitors and Boosting Budgets
During a press conference, CM Mann emphasized that Punjab's performance exceeded that of traditional education leaders like Kerala and Chandigarh, with Gujarat ranking 16th and Haryana placing 7th or 8th. He attributed this success to a substantial increase in financial allocation, noting that the education budget has surged from Rs 12,657 crore in the 2021–22 fiscal year to an impressive Rs 19,279 crore for 2026–27. This funding boost has facilitated extensive teacher recruitment and infrastructure enhancements across the state.
Enhancing School Quality and Parental Engagement
Mann asserted that government schools in Punjab have now been developed to match the standards of private institutions, providing parents with a genuine choice for their children's education. To further improve accountability, starting April 1, parents will receive notifications if their child is absent from school, along with updates on teachers' leave. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster transparency and involvement in the educational process.
Combating Leaks and Focusing on Quality
The Chief Minister proudly stated that Punjab has not experienced a single paper leak in the past four years, contrasting this with previous administrations that he alleged had reduced schools to mere centers for mid-day meals without prioritizing quality education or adequate staffing. He described education as the primary driver of social and economic progress, announcing the launch of a second phase in the state's "education revolution" with a Rs 3,500 crore outlay, supported by the World Bank.
Notable Student Achievements and Infrastructure Developments
Highlighting student outcomes, Mann reported that 740 students have cleared the JEE and 1,284 have qualified for NEET in recent years, with government school students scoring 18% above the national average in the NAS survey. On the infrastructure front, 118 Schools of Eminence are being established, of which 60 are already operational. Additionally, nearly 24 lakh parents have participated in mega parent-teacher meetings, demonstrating widespread community engagement.
Expanding Access and Supporting Staff
To enhance outreach and accessibility, the CM introduced a free bus service for girls attending Schools of Eminence and other government schools, benefiting approximately 15,500 students. Since April 2022, the state has recruited 14,525 teachers and regularized the services of 12,316 education department employees. Other initiatives include teacher training programs, a school mentorship scheme involving senior officers, the Digital Open University Policy-2026, and plans for a university at Anandpur Sahib named after Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Key Highlights of Government Efforts
- Government Efforts: The education budget has risen to Rs 19,279 crore, with 14,525 teachers recruited since April 2022 and 12,316 staff members regularized.
- Student Outcomes: 740 students have cleared JEE and 1,284 have qualified NEET, while government school students scored 18% above the national average.
- Infrastructure and Reforms: 118 Schools of Eminence are planned, with 60 already functional, and Rs 3,500 crore approved for the second phase of reforms.
Bridging the Gap Between Government and Private Schools
In his concluding remarks, CM Mann emphasized the goal of elevating the quality of education in government schools to rival private institutions, thereby offering parents a real alternative. "We are bringing the quality of education in government schools on a par with private institutions so that parents have a genuine choice. Then it will be up to the parents to decide where they want to send their child to study. Education in government schools will be much cheaper. Parents should not be compelled to opt for costly private schools," he stated, underscoring the commitment to affordable and high-quality public education in Punjab.
