Punjab to Roll Out First Major Overhaul of School Art Curriculum in 40 Years

by Dr. Jasneet Bedi

AI Generated Summary

  • According to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), which is spearheading the overhaul, the move stems from a growing recognition that children need deeper engagement with the world around them—particularly their own cultural and environmental context.
  • Punjab is preparing for a landmark transformation in its government school classrooms, as the state undertakes its first comprehensive upgrade of the art curriculum and textbooks in nearly four decades.
  • With the new curriculum expected to be rolled out across schools in the coming months, educators and policymakers are hopeful that this long-awaited reform will not only enrich classroom experiences but also help preserve Punjab’s artistic legacy for generations to come.

Punjab is preparing for a landmark transformation in its government school classrooms, as the state undertakes its first comprehensive upgrade of the art curriculum and textbooks in nearly four decades. The initiative aims to weave local culture, heritage, and modern teaching practices into everyday learning, marking a significant shift in how art education is approached.

The revamped curriculum is designed to nurture creativity, strengthen cultural identity, and promote holistic development among students. According to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), which is spearheading the overhaul, the move stems from a growing recognition that children need deeper engagement with the world around them—particularly their own cultural and environmental context.

Officials said the effort follows extensive internal reviews and recommendations from a specially appointed committee. The panel stressed the urgency of reviving traditional Punjabi art forms and ensuring that students are introduced to the state’s diverse artistic heritage through meaningful, research-informed content.

Punjab School Education Board Chairperson Dr. Amarpal Singh emphasized that art must be understood as more than a standalone subject. “Art should be viewed as an essential element across disciplines,” he said, noting that creative thinking and cultural awareness strengthen learning in all areas, from languages to sciences.

With the new curriculum expected to be rolled out across schools in the coming months, educators and policymakers are hopeful that this long-awaited reform will not only enrich classroom experiences but also help preserve Punjab’s artistic legacy for generations to come.

Dr. Jasneet Bedi

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