The North News
Chandigarh, October 30
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the state’s education system is undergoing a major transformation under the Sikhya Kranti programme, an initiative led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann aimed at upgrading infrastructure, improving teacher strength, and addressing long-standing challenges in government schools. Cheema made the remarks on Thursday during a detailed meeting with representatives from seven education department unions, including the Special Cadre Adhiyapak Front, Computer Adhiyapak Union, Computer Adhiyapak Sangharsh Committee, Unemployed B.Ed. TET Pass Adhiyapak Union, and two factions of the ETT TET Pass Adhiyapak Union.
The Finance Minister said the government’s goal is not only to modernise school facilities but also to empower teachers as a driving force behind educational excellence. He urged the union members to remain committed to enhancing teaching quality and strengthening public confidence in Punjab’s education system.
Secretary Education Anindita Mitra informed the Finance Minister that most of the unions’ demands were either in the final stage of resolution or already being processed. She added that other legitimate concerns would soon be addressed.
Cheema directed the Education Department to share fiscal details with the Finance Department to expedite decisions on financial approvals linked to these demands.
In a separate meeting, the Minister also interacted with representatives of the All Punjab DST/CTF Contract Workers Union, assuring them that their issues would be resolved through dialogue.
Senior officials including Special Secretary (Personnel) Upkar Singh and Special Secretary (Finance) Ajay Arora briefed the Minister on the status of ongoing discussions and departmental actions.
Union representatives such as Veerpal Kaur Sidhana, Manpreet Singh Moga, Paramjit Kaur Pakhowal, and others presented their respective concerns, expressing optimism over the government’s responsive approach.
Cheema reaffirmed that the state government remains committed to building a robust, inclusive, and accountable education framework through active engagement with teachers and stakeholders.
