Punjab Educational Initiatives Under Free and Compulsory Education Act
Punjab’s Comprehensive Educational Reforms Under the Free and Compulsory Education Act
In a significant stride towards enhancing the quality of education, the Punjab government has introduced a series of initiatives under the Free and Compulsory Education Act. These reforms aim to provide equitable and quality education to all children in the state, reflecting a commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity.
‘Schools of Eminence’
A cornerstone of Punjab’s educational reforms is the establishment of ‘Schools of Eminence.’ This initiative seeks to transform 118 government schools into state-of-the-art institutions equipped with modern facilities. These schools feature amenities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, laboratories, and smart classrooms, creating an environment conducive to holistic learning. The government has allocated ₹100 crore for this initiative in the fiscal year 2024-25, underscoring its dedication to elevating educational standards.
Development of ‘Schools of Happiness’
Recognizing the importance of emotional well-being in education, the Punjab government has proposed the creation of 132 ‘Schools of Happiness.’ These schools aim to provide a nurturing and stress-free learning environment for students aged 3 to 11. By incorporating innovative teaching methods and focusing on the holistic development of children, this initiative strives to make learning an enjoyable and enriching experience.
Establishment of ‘Schools of Brilliance’
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the government plans to transform 100 government senior secondary schools into ‘Schools of Brilliance.’ This program aims to elevate the quality of education in rural areas, transforming these schools into centers of excellence for students from classes 6 to 12. An initial allocation of ₹10 crore has been earmarked for this purpose in the fiscal year 2024-25.
Launch of ‘Schools of Applied Learning’
To bridge the gap between education and employability, the Punjab government has introduced the ‘Schools of Applied Learning’ initiative. This program focuses on developing technical skills and industry-relevant knowledge among students. In its first phase, 40 high-tech vocational labs will be established, providing hands-on experience and practical skills essential for the modern workforce. An allocation of ₹10 crore has been made for this initiative in the fiscal year 2024-25.
Punjab Youth Leadership Programme (PYLP)
Complementing these government initiatives, the Punjab Youth Leadership Programme (PYLP) plays a pivotal role in enhancing educational outcomes. This two-year fellowship trains and places young leaders in government-run schools across Punjab. These leaders collaborate with teachers to improve classroom pedagogy and work with local bureaucrats to enhance governance. By 2021, the program had placed young leaders in 300 schools across the state, significantly contributing to the quality of education.
Budgetary Allocations and Teacher Empowerment
The Punjab government has demonstrated its commitment to education through substantial budgetary allocations. For the fiscal year 2024-25, an outlay of ₹16,987 crore has been proposed for the education sector, accounting for approximately 11.5% of the state’s total estimated expenditure. This financial commitment ensures the successful implementation of various educational initiatives.
Recognizing that teachers are the backbone of any educational system, the government has regularized 12,316 teachers and recruited an additional 9,518 educators. This move ensures that students receive guidance from passionate and well-trained professionals, thereby enhancing the overall quality of education.
Also Read: Punjab Literacy Rate 2025: Progress and Challenges
Impact of Educational Reforms
The collective efforts of the Punjab government and organizations like Sanjhi Sikhiya have yielded remarkable results. Punjab’s education ranking in the national performance grading index improved from 13th in 2019 to 1st in 2020-21. This significant leap reflects the positive impact of the comprehensive educational reforms implemented across the state.
Also Read: Revolutionary Literacy Rate in Punjab 2024 Statistics
In Conclusion, Punjab’s educational initiatives under the Free and Compulsory Education Act exemplify a holistic approach to reforming the education system. By focusing on infrastructure development, emotional well-being, skill enhancement, and teacher empowerment, the state aims to provide quality education to every child. These reforms not only cater to the current educational needs but also prepare students for future challenges, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for Punjab.
Sources: hindustantimes.com, en.wikipedia.org, news.abplive.com,
