Punjab emerges as India’s top performer in school education: CM Mann

Chandigarh, July 27

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the sustained investment in government schools, teacher training and modern classrooms had helped the state emerge as the country’s top performer in school education. Speaking after inaugurating the ₹5 crore Vardhman Block at Government Primary School at Lohara in  Ludhiana, Mann said the success of students in competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE and the Punjab State Talent Search Examination reflected the impact of the state’s education reforms.

The newly built block, funded entirely by the Vardhman Textiles Group, includes 18 classrooms, new furniture and three staff rooms.

Mann thanked the company for supporting government schools, noting that it had also helped build educational infrastructure in several other schools across Ludhiana district. He said education remained the most effective way to tackle poverty and improve people’s lives.

“No freebie or concession can eliminate poverty or other social problems. Education is the key that enables people to improve their standard of living,” he said. The Chief Minister said that Punjab had overtaken Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi in primary and middle-school education, crediting the achievement to four years of investment in smart classrooms, improved infrastructure and extensive teacher training.

He said the latest assessment by NITI Aayog showed Punjab leading the country in these categories, adding that the government would continue expanding its education reforms.

“Education is the light that dispels darkness,” Mann said, adding that the government would continue prioritising the sector.

Highlighting the progress made in Ludhiana district, he said around 300,000 students were enrolled in government schools. The district now has 16 Schools of Eminence, 11 Schools of Brilliance and 35 Schools of Happiness, while two more Schools of Eminence are ready to open.

Mann also highlighted students’ academic achievements, saying 146 government school students had qualified NEET, 33 had cleared JEE Main, nine had qualified JEE Advanced and 47 had passed the Punjab State Talent Search Examination.

He said these results demonstrated that stronger public education could equip students from all backgrounds to compete successfully in national-level examinations.