In a bold and far-reaching move, the Punjab government has announced plans to revitalize 12,000 state-run schools across the region within a tight 54-day window—from April 7 to May 31. The extensive project, part of the “Punjab Sikhya Kranti” campaign, will see significant enhancements to school infrastructure including new classrooms, renovated boundary walls, upgraded toilets, and additional furniture, all aimed at improving the learning environment for thousands of students.
A Showcase of Upgraded Facilities
The government’s plan includes the installation of inaugural plaques at each school at a cost of Rs 5,000. Top political functionaries—including the Chief Minister, Education Minister, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and other elected representatives—are slated to inaugurate the upgraded facilities. According to the new directives, only these officials will be deemed “competent” to launch the projects, underlining the administration’s commitment to ensuring high-profile accountability.
“We want our elected representatives to see the changes first-hand,” stated Education Minister Harjot Bains. “Their interactions with school authorities and on-site visits will further enhance the accountability and continuous improvement of our educational institutions.” Bains also highlighted that such visits are mandated under the School Management Committee provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2009.
Enhancements and Investment
The ambitious upgrade program is not merely cosmetic. Recent data from the Education Department reveals significant progress: 6,812 schools now sport new or refurbished boundary walls, 5,399 new classrooms have been constructed, and thousands of toilets have been repaired. In addition, nearly 1,17,000 desks and chairs have been added, demonstrating the government’s focus on providing a well-rounded infrastructural upgrade. Funding allocations vary by institution type, with senior secondary schools receiving Rs 20,000, secondary schools Rs 10,000, and both elementary schools and the inaugural plaques Rs 5,000 each.
Controversy Over Politicisation of Inaugurations
Not everyone is welcoming the high-profile nature of the inaugurations. Vikram Dev Singh, President of the Democratic Teachers Front (DTF), criticized the move as an extension of the “VVIP culture” into the realm of education. “Instead of eliminating unnecessary pomp, the government is pushing it into schools. Principals and teachers are being sidelined as mere event managers,” he said. Critics argue that such practices could divert attention from the core mission of education.
Proponents of the plan counter that similar practices have been in place under previous governments, noting that high-level inaugurations ensure that public representatives remain engaged with educational developments. The approach, they say, is intended to boost transparency and provide parents with tangible evidence that their children are being well-cared for.
A Return to Controversial Practices
The decision to include names of political functionaries on inaugural plaques also stirs memories of past controversies. In 2017, former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had attempted to curb the practice after objections arose from the political leadership. Although an official prohibition had been briefly considered, it was later clarified that government officials were indeed allowed to be featured. Despite the formal clarification, the practice had largely fallen out of favor until now, marking a notable return to a bygone era of school inaugurations.
Moving Forward
The initiative, which has already seen visits from key figures including AAP’s Punjab in-charge Sisodia and Education Minister Bains at schools in Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran, is being closely watched by educators and political analysts alike. With strict adherence to a newly issued Standard Operating Procedure, officials expect a smooth rollout that underscores the government’s promise to revitalize public education and hold institutions accountable.
As the inauguration dates approach, stakeholders on all sides of the debate will be keenly observing how the integration of political oversight with educational improvement impacts the day-to-day functioning of schools, and whether the enhanced infrastructure translates into measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
