Punjab Tops School Education Rankings, Claims Minister Bains
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that the state has surpassed Kerala to achieve the top position in school education across India. Speaking at a 'Bright Minds Punjab' event held at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, Bains declared, "Now, Punjab is 'Padhta Punjab', not 'Udta Punjab'." The statement underscores the government's focus on transforming the state's educational landscape.
Bright Minds Punjab Programme Honors Meritorious Students
The event brought together 332 meritorious students from Amritsar who scored 95 percent or more in their Class XII examinations. Bains, along with former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab affairs in-charge Manish Sisodia, interacted with the students. Amritsar West MLA Dr. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Director School Education (Secondary) Saktar Singh Balla, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Pallavi Sharma were also present.
Bains congratulated the students, calling them the future of Punjab and the country. He reiterated the Punjab Government's commitment to quality education, attributing the top ranking to collective efforts. "It is a matter of pride and a celebration of our collective efforts," he said.
Fee Cap Ordinance Provides Relief to Parents
The Education Minister also highlighted the recently approved ordinance amending the Punjab Regulation of Fees of Unaided Educational Institutions Act. The ordinance caps the annual increase in school fees and other charges at a maximum of 5 percent. "The cost of education in the country remains a serious issue, and in Punjab we have tried to provide relief to parents," Bains explained.
He noted that he personally visited several schools in the border district of Amritsar and observed exceptional performance in education there.
Sisodia Emphasizes Understanding Over Rote Learning
Manish Sisodia stressed that a country's progress depends on the strength of its education system. "If education improves, the country will automatically move forward," he said. He advocated for examinations that focus on understanding and learning rather than rote memorisation.
Sisodia credited the Aam Aadmi Party government's 'Shiksha Kranti' initiative for transforming the image of government schools in Punjab. He also sought suggestions from students on reforms needed in education policy and the examination system.
Special Recognition for ISRO Young Scientist Candidate
During the programme, special recognition was given to Tia, a student of the School of Eminence, Mall Road, Amritsar, who has been selected for the ISRO Young Scientist Programme. This achievement highlights the growing scientific talent nurtured in Punjab's schools.
