Punjab Government Initiates Major School Repainting Project Across State
The Punjab Directorate of School Education has issued a significant notification directing the comprehensive repainting of 852 government middle, high, and senior secondary schools throughout the state. This initiative aims to give these educational institutions a fresh, uniform appearance through systematic whitewashing and painting work.
Ludhiana Schools Included in First Phase
In Ludhiana district specifically, 70 schools have been identified for this renovation project, comprising 20 high schools and 50 senior secondary institutions. These schools will undergo transformation according to a detailed color code scheme mandated by the education department.
Detailed Color Specifications Mandated
The official orders specify precise color requirements that all schools must follow:
- Classroom interior walls (4x6 dimensions): Bronze mist color
- School roofs: Sea oats color
- Verandas, corridors, and borders: Rhapsody color
- Wall areas: Egg custard color
The notification includes a reference picture illustrating how schools should appear after completion, showing a combination of blue and yellow tones. School authorities have been instructed to coordinate closely with junior engineers to ensure proper implementation of these specifications.
Budget Allocation and Implementation
For the initial phase of this painting initiative, the Punjab government has released Rs 17.44 crore to district education officers. School officials have received explicit directives to utilize these funds optimally and efficiently during the renovation process.
The order, dated December 22, 2025, emphasizes that all schools must adhere strictly to the prescribed color scheme and implementation guidelines.
Teachers' Front Raises Concerns Over Political Motives
The Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) Punjab has voiced strong objections to the government's color-coding initiative. Vikramdev, president of DTF Punjab, expressed serious reservations about potential political motivations behind the specific color scheme.
"Educational institutions should remain completely insulated from political influences and operate solely according to educational guidelines," stated Vikramdev. "These school buildings were constructed using hard-earned public money and taxpayer contributions. They should represent the education sector, not serve as advertising platforms for any political party."
The teachers' leader further criticized what he perceives as "an advertisement strategy for the current ruling party" and questioned the necessity of imposing uniform colors across hundreds of schools.
Calls for Educational Focus Instead
Vikramdev emphasized that if painting was genuinely required, individual schools should have autonomy in color selection, or at minimum, been given color options. He argued that government attention and resources should prioritize substantive educational needs.
"The focus should be on developing policies addressing actual requirements in Punjab's education sector and filling teaching vacancies," he asserted. "Students should not become targets for political advertising strategies. We strongly condemn this specific color coding imposed on schools."
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between educational development initiatives and perceptions of political messaging in public institutions, raising questions about the appropriate use of public funds for infrastructure improvements versus addressing core educational challenges.
