Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, isn’t letting up on his push to change how kids learn in the state. At a recent event, he didn’t hold back—he called out the opposition for, in his words, using “illiteracy as a political weapon.” Mann made it clear: his government is betting on education to help people break out of poverty for good.
Revolution in Government Schools
You can actually see the change happening in government schools. Since Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party took over, they’ve upgraded more than 12,000 schools. We’re talking new buildings, smart classrooms, digital tools—the works. The idea? Level the playing field so kids from villages and poor families get the same shot as those in private schools.
Teacher Training and Empowerment
Then there’s the ‘School of Eminence’ project, inspired by what worked in Delhi. These schools come with specialized tracks in science, commerce, and humanities. They focus on real-world skills and building students’ confidence—getting them ready for jobs anywhere, not just in Punjab.
Focus on English and Skill Development
Teachers aren’t left out of the picture. Thousands have headed to top institutes in Singapore, Finland, and even the IIMs for training. These trips are more than just a break from routine—they’re about bringing back new teaching methods and raising the bar for everyone back home.
Scholarships and Higher Education Access
And about the gap between city and village schools? The government started English-medium sections in a bunch of schools. They’re also rolling out hands-on programs in tech, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, so students don’t just memorize—they learn things that actually get them jobs.
Digital Learning and Modern Infrastructure
Money’s always a big hurdle, so the government has expanded scholarships and fee waivers for students who can’t afford higher studies. They’ve even teamed up with top universities, helping Punjab’s students aim higher, whether that’s in India or abroad.
Digital learning is another big piece. The state’s poured resources into Wi-Fi classrooms and e-content, even in far-flung areas. Walk into a smart school now and you’ll see labs, modern gear, and spaces where learning feels less like a chore and more like discovery.
Women’s Education and Empowerment
Mann talks a lot about women’s empowerment, and here, too, education is at the center. The government’s set up programs—like free sanitary pad distribution, gender-sensitivity training, and scholarship drives for girls—to make sure more young women stay in school and move on to college.
AAP’s Vision for a “New Punjab”
At the end of the day, Mann’s vision is straightforward: he wants Punjab to be a place where no kid misses out on school just because they’re poor or live far away. “The opposition kept people uneducated to control their votes. We’re giving them education so they can control their destiny,” he said.
With steady changes and a focus on what people actually need, the AAP government is pushing its “education for empowerment” promise from a campaign slogan to something you can see in classrooms across Punjab.
