AMRITSAR/CHANDIGARH | 20 February — Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Friday marked a first for the state’s administrative history, completing a personal tour of more than 2,000 government schools to audit infrastructure and learning standards.
The milestone was reached during a surprise visit to the Government Senior Secondary School in Jhita Kalan. Bains, representing the Bhagwant Mann-led government, stated that the grassroots campaign aims to bridge the gap between policy and classroom reality across all districts, from Pathankot to Fazilka.
Focus on ‘Samarth’ and Learning Gaps
During his interaction with students and faculty, Bains prioritized the “Samarth” program—a flagship initiative designed to tackle literacy crises in primary education. The minister noted that when he assumed office, a significant portion of primary-level students struggled with basic reading and writing.
“We identified children falling behind and provided targeted support,” Bains said. “While many teachers are delivering excellent results, there is zero tolerance for negligence. Those tampering with the future of our children will face strict action.”
The minister’s focus on data-driven improvement comes as the state seeks to modernize its “Punjab Sikhya Kranti” (Education Revolution) campaign.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Security
To professionalize school management, the state has begun deploying dedicated campus managers and security guards at all senior secondary schools with an enrollment exceeding 500 students. This move is intended to allow educators to focus solely on instruction rather than administrative or facility maintenance.
The shift in quality is beginning to show in competitive results. Bains highlighted a student from the Jhita Kalan school who recently cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), a feat typically associated with expensive private coaching centers.
A Call for Balanced Narrative
The minister urged the public and media to highlight these success stories to counter the “viral” nature of negative news.
“The infrastructure is improving, and our students are cracking national exams,” Bains said. “The good work happening in these rural schools deserves to be shared.”
The state government has allocated significant funds in the current budget for school upgrades, with Bains directing officials to expedite all pending development projects to maintain the momentum of the reforms.
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