In a significant push to empower the state's youth, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the launch of a focused initiative aimed at preparing students for future competitive examinations. The program, named Mission Pragati, offers free academic and physical training, specifically targeting meritorious students from rural backgrounds who face financial constraints.
Bridging the Gap for Rural Students
Chief Minister Mann made the announcement on Sunday while interacting with students at the district library in Bathinda. He stated that the initiative is designed to support talented students from villages and remote areas who cannot afford the high fees charged by private coaching centres. The first batch of this ambitious program has already enrolled 40 students, marking a concrete step towards levelling the playing field.
The free coaching, currently operational at the Bathinda district library, will cater to examinations conducted by the Services Selection Board (SSB), as well as for recruitment in the police and armed forces. Mann emphasised that the program utilises existing public infrastructure, such as libraries, to keep operational costs minimal while maximising reach and impact.
Holistic Preparation: Books and Physical Training
Mission Pragati ensures comprehensive preparation for candidates. Alongside regular classroom teaching, experienced trainers from the Punjab Police are providing physical training to ensure candidates meet the fitness standards required for defence and police roles. This dual focus on mental and physical readiness is a cornerstone of the program's design.
Furthermore, to alleviate the burden of costly study materials, students enrolled in the program will be given free membership to the district library. This grants them complete access to a wide range of books and essential study resources, removing another significant financial barrier to quality preparation.
A 'Youth Helping Youth' Mentorship Model
A unique aspect of Mission Pragati is its community-driven mentorship approach. The Chief Minister highlighted that the mission follows a "youth helping youth" philosophy. Here, mentors are individuals who have themselves appeared for competitive examinations, offering practical insights, guidance, and motivation based on their own experiences.
This model has garnered widespread support from various sections of society. Mann noted that educationists, universities, police officials, athletes, and students have all rallied behind Mission Pragati, creating a collaborative ecosystem for youth development.
The Vision: From Job Seekers to Job Providers
Reiterating his government's broader vision for education reform, the Chief Minister said the initiative is firmly based on the principle of "no one left behind". The primary objectives are to provide equal opportunities to all youth and to increase their representation in state and central government services.
Ultimately, Punjab's education reforms are focused on a larger transformation. The goal is to shift the paradigm from creating job seekers to nurturing job providers, ensuring the holistic development of the youth to build a more self-reliant and prosperous state.
