Punjab Emerges as India’s Leading State in School Education, Says CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the state has emerged as the leading performer in school education across the country due to the government's sustained focus on strengthening government schools, modernising educational infrastructure, and investing in teacher training. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the newly constructed 'Vardhman Block' at the Government Primary School in Lohara, Ludhiana, the Chief Minister said that the outstanding performance of government school students in competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE, and the Punjab State Talent Search Examination (PSTSE) reflects the long-term impact of the state's education reforms. He said that education remains the most powerful instrument for eliminating poverty and empowering future generations. According to the Chief Minister, meaningful education has the ability to improve people's quality of life and bring lasting social transformation. The newly inaugurated block has been constructed at a cost of ₹5 crore, with the entire project funded by the Vardhman Textiles Group. Expressing gratitude to the group's leadership, the Chief Minister said the facility includes 18 fully furnished classrooms for students and three rooms for teachers, providing improved learning infrastructure. He also highlighted the Vardhman Textiles Group's continued contribution to strengthening educational infrastructure in government schools. Besides Lohara, the group has supported the construction of school buildings in Gyaspura, Kasabad, Ladowal, Sekhewal, and several other government schools. He stated that while free benefits and concessions alone cannot eradicate poverty or social challenges, education serves as the key to lifting people out of poverty and creating lasting opportunities. The Chief Minister further said that Punjab has secured the top position in primary and middle school education, surpassing Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi. He noted that the state government has focused on improving educational standards, strengthening the school system, introducing smart classrooms, and providing advanced training to teachers. As a result, Punjab has recorded significant progress in the school education sector. Referring to the latest data released by NITI Aayog, Mann said Punjab has achieved the number one position in primary and middle school education by overtaking Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi. He added that the state has consistently invested in teacher training, modern teaching methodologies, and smart classrooms over the past four years, enabling Punjab to rise to the top. The Chief Minister remarked that Kerala had previously held the leading position, but Punjab has now secured the top rank by a significant margin. He said the government will continue making similar efforts in the future, adding that education is a light that removes darkness and illuminates society, making it a priority area for the state government. Sharing details of Ludhiana's education network, Mann said nearly three lakh students are enrolled in government schools across the district. Ludhiana currently has 16 Schools of Eminence, 11 Schools of Brilliance, and 35 Schools of Happiness. Two additional Schools of Eminence at Millerganj and Division No. 3, Ludhiana, have also been completed and will soon be dedicated to the public. Highlighting students' academic achievements, the Chief Minister said that 146 students from government schools in Ludhiana qualified the NEET examination, 33 students cleared JEE Main, 9 students qualified JEE Advanced, and 47 students successfully passed the Punjab State Talent Search Examination (PSTSE).