India, July 28 -- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said that his government's focus on strengthening government schools, modernising educational infrastructure and investing in teacher training has transformed the state into the country's top performer in school education. He added that the success of government school students in competitive examinations such as NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) and the Punjab State Talent Search Examination (PSTSE) reflects the far-reaching impact of the government's education reforms. He reaffirmed that education remains the most powerful instrument for eliminating poverty and empowering future generations.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating Vardhman block at Government Primary School in Lohara, Mann said: "This new block has been constructed for Rs 5 crore. The entire cost has been borne by the Vardhman Textiles Group, for which I sincerely thank the group's leadership. The new block comprises 18 classrooms for students, along with furniture, and three rooms for the teaching staff." Mann further said no freebie or concession can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state. Education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living. Due to the efforts of the state government, Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle-school education, Mann said, citing a NITI Aayog report. The state government has upgraded primary and middle-school education, strengthened the system, introduced smart classrooms and provided advanced training to teachers, he said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.