Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in Punjab, through Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, introduced a slew of initiatives in the state budget on March 5.
Among the key initiatives is the transformation of 100 government senior secondary schools into ‘schools of brilliance,’ aimed at elevating the quality of education. Additionally, the government proposes to convert 100 primary government schools into ‘schools of happiness,’ focusing on creating a positive learning environment for young students aged three to 11.
The finance minister allocated a substantial Rs 16,987 crore, constituting approximately 11.5% of the total estimated expenditure, for the education sector. This reflects the government’s commitment to fostering an educated Punjab.
Detailing the educational initiatives, Cheema announced the conversion of 118 government schools into ‘schools of eminence’ to provide state-of-the-art facilities, with 14 such schools already initiated. An allocation of Rs 100 crore in FY25 has been budgeted for this purpose.
Furthermore, an additional 100 government senior secondary schools will be transformed into ‘schools of brilliance,’ focusing on enhancing education quality in rural areas from Class 6 to 12. An initial allocation of Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for this scheme.
A novel proposal includes the transformation of 100 primary government schools into ‘schools of happiness,’ emphasizing well-ventilated classrooms, dedicated play areas, resource rooms, and activity corners. The government has provisioned Rs 10 crore for this initiative in FY25. To nurture skills and technical capabilities in students, the government plans to establish ‘schools of applied learning’ with an initial provision of Rs 10 crore in FY25. The first phase involves constructing hi-tech vocational labs in 40 schools. In his budget speech, Cheema highlighted the government’s commitment to moving beyond a “literate Punjab” by instilling knowledge, morality, and sensibility in children.
Various achievements, including teacher regularizations, recruitments, skill upgrades, and infrastructure improvements, were outlined as hallmarks of the AAP government’s efforts in the education sector. The budget also addressed medical education and research, allocating Rs 1,133 crore for developmental activities, including a girls’ hostel at Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala. Recognizing the significance of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, a provision of Rs 40 crore was made for research-related and infrastructure development.
In sports and youth services, Cheema proposed the establishment of 1,000 sports nurseries across all districts, benefiting 60,000 sportspersons aged 6 to 17. An initial outlay of Rs 50 crore in FY 2024-25 will support the establishment of 250 sports nurseries. Additionally, Rs 34 crore was proposed for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University to promote sports education in various disciplines.
