Punjab has overtaken Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to emerge as the country’s top performing state in primary and middle school education, with the latest NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog report placing Bhagwant Mann Government’s education reforms at the top of national rankings.

The report showed Punjab leading in foundational learning, digital infrastructure and school facilities, with the state recording higher scores than Kerala in language and mathematics while dramatically expanding smart classrooms, internet access and computer availability in government schools.

Congratulating in a video message, CM Bhagwant Mann said, “In consonance with the dictum ‘You reap what you sow’, the state has invested sincerely in education. The state government upgraded primary and middle school education, strengthened the system, introduced smart classrooms and provided advanced training to teachers. Today, the results of those efforts have started showing. The state government sowed well, so now it is reaping excellent results.”

Highlighting Punjab’s achievement in the NITI Aayog rankings, the Punjab CM stated, “NITI Aayog, one of the Government of India’s premier institutions, has released new figures showing that Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle school education. In Class 3 language performance, Punjab scored 82% while Kerala scored 75%. Likewise, in Class 3 mathematics, Punjab scored 78% while Kerala scored 70%, and in Class 9 mathematics Punjab scored 52% while Kerala scored 45%.”

Sharing details of Punjab’s digital education progress, he added, “Punjab is ahead of Haryana in digital education as well. In smart classrooms, Punjab secured 80.1% whereas Haryana was at 50.3%. In internet facilities in schools, Punjab is at 88.9% whereas Haryana is at 78.9%. In electricity facilities in schools, Punjab has an impressive 99.9%, while computer availability in schools stands at 99%. Earlier, Kerala held the top position, but now Punjab has claimed the number one rank with a huge margin.”

Congratulating stakeholders in the education sector, the Chief Minister said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate all the teachers, students and parents. I am extremely happy to receive these figures showing Punjab leading in the field of education. The survey results for Classes 3, 5 and 9 have placed Punjab at number one because this is the outcome of four years of continuous hard work. For the last four years, the state government has focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods and smart classrooms, and today Punjab stands at the top.”

Extending greetings to everyone associated with the sector, Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I have specially sent this message to congratulate all the stakeholders. From my side, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all parents, teachers, the Education Minister, every member of the Punjab School Education Board and everyone associated with the education sector. Punjab becoming number one in education is the result of their collective efforts. Slowly but surely, Punjab will become number one in every sector and every field.” He reiterated that the Punjab Government will continue making every effort to make the state a frontrunner in every field.

By the time the sun rose over Patiala, 46-year-old Sunita Rani had already been awake for hours. Sleep had become difficult. A dull ache gripped her lower back and travelled sharply through her side whenever she tried to stand straight. Her feet looked puffier each morning, and even walking to the kitchen felt exhausting. She would pause midway, pressing one hand against the wall and the other against her stomach, waiting for the stabbing discomfort to settle.

In spite of the pain, Sunita continued managing her everyday responsibilities, hoping the problem would improve on its own. However, when the pain and the swelling worsened, her family urged her to seek medical help. She had heard about the benefits available under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana and decided to register herself and her family under it.

Sunita immediately registered under the scheme and received a Sehat Card for her family. She was admitted for treatment at Mata Kaushalya Hospital, where doctors conducted detailed examinations and diagnosed her with kidney stones lodged in the ureter. Doctors also found that her diabetes and severe swelling needed urgent attention before surgery could be safely performed.

Sharing her experience, Sunita Rani said, “When the pain became unbearable, I registered under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna and got a Sehat Card made for my family. The doctors examined me and diagnosed kidney stones. Because my sugar levels were very high and there was a lot of swelling, they first started treatment to control both conditions.”

She added, “I am regularly visiting the hospital for check-ups, and the doctors are continuously monitoring my condition. The swelling has reduced now, and my medicines for sugar control have been changed.” Sunita Rani is happy that she Is getting a cashless treatment. “I have been given another 10-day course of treatment, after which the doctors will decide the date for the operation. From my initial treatment to the surgery in coming days, I will not have to pay anything, and it is such a comfort and relief,” she says.

Doctors explain that kidney stone cases are rising rapidly, especially among patients dealing with diabetes, dehydration, and unhealthy eating habits. According to medical experts, delayed treatment can lead to severe infections and complications. Early diagnosis and timely medical support are therefore extremely important.

For Sunita and her family, the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana became a major source of relief during a difficult period. The scheme ensured quick registration, regular medical monitoring, affordable treatment, and access to specialists without financial stress. Most importantly, it gave the family confidence that quality healthcare was within their reach.

Today, Sunita’s condition is improving at a good pace. “The swelling has now reduced, and soon my sugar levels too will be under control. While my treatment is still ongoing, I now face recovery with hope instead of fear, thanks to the Sehat Card.”

She further adds, “I believe that government healthcare schemes like the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana are helping families receive timely medical care without worrying about expenses.” Her story stands as an example of how accessible healthcare and early treatment can transform lives, restore confidence, and support families during medical emergencies.