MOHALI: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday claimed that his government’s education reforms have transformed Punjab’s government school system, with the state moving from 27th in education in 2021 to No. 1 in primary education, while announcing the government’s vision to make Punjab a global education hub. 
During a state-level Teachers’ Day function in Mohali, he highlighted international training for teachers, 118 Schools of Eminence, Wi-Fi connectivity in 16,348 schools, Business Blasters and stronger parent participation through PTMs as key drivers of the transformation, while also honouring 50 teachers for their outstanding services.
Addressing the gathering during the state-level Teachers’ Day function, Mann said, “My dream is to make Punjab a global education hub. Due to the revolutionary steps taken by our government in the education sector, the day is not far when teachers from across the world will come to Punjab to receive training.”
Teachers who have made significant contributions to Punjab’s education sector were honoured during the state-level Teachers’ Honour Ceremony. A total of 50 teachers, including 21 primary and 29 secondary teachers, received State Awards, while 10 teachers, including four primary and six secondary teachers, received Young Teacher Awards. Four teachers received Special Teacher Awards, six received Administrative Awards, and five awards were given to teachers nominated by the Education Minister.
Congratulating all the award-winning teachers, Mann said, “Your hard work, dedication and passion are laying the foundation for Punjab’s golden future. Our government considers education not merely a department but a crucial pillar of Punjab’s journey of socio-economic transformation.”
Referring to international-level training for teachers, he said that 234 principals and education officers were provided training in Singapore, 152 headmasters were trained at IIM Ahmedabad, and 144 primary teachers received world-class training from the University of Turku in Finland. “We have provided international-level training to our teachers so that children studying in government schools can receive education of global standards. Training teachers abroad has changed the education system of government schools. We are preparing our teachers and students to compete anywhere in the world,” he said.
He said Schools of Eminence have raised the standard of education. "We have transformed 118 Schools of Eminence with modern infrastructure at a cost of ?88.67 crore. Through these modern projects, we are ensuring that every child of Punjab becomes capable of competing anywhere in the world,” he added.
The Chief Minister said his government has spent ?211.58 crore on school safety and basic infrastructure improvements. To ensure a clean and safe environment in schools, 1,917 campus managers, 1,316 security guards, 7,113 sanitation workers and 1,785 chowkidars have been deployed.
He said, “Under the digital revolution, we have installed 16,348 Wi-Fi connections in schools. We are also spending ?488.67 crore on improving classrooms, laboratories, libraries and toilets. These facilities are essential for providing our children with an education of global standards.”
Mann said that 881 students qualified JEE and NEET for the first time, describing it as a significant achievement of the government school education system.