CHANDIGARH- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday presented a detailed four-year report card of the Punjab Government’s “Shiksha Kranti” under the “Shandaar Char Saal Bhagwant Mann de naal” series, laying out how sustained reforms have transformed government schools into competitive, outcome-driven institutions delivering national-leading results. Positioning ‘Shikhya Kranti’ as the backbone of Punjab’s growth story, the Chief Minister highlighted top rankings in national assessments, record academic outcomes, zero paper leaks, and unprecedented investment in infrastructure and teacher training.
The Chief Minister underscored that this transformation has been backed by a sharp rise in financial commitment, with the education budget increasing from ₹12, 657 crore in 2021–22 to ₹19, 279 crore in 2026–27, reflecting the AAP government’s sustained prioritisation of the sector. The Chief Minister noted that this education report card comes as part of a broader accountability exercise, following similar four-year performance presentations in key sectors such as irrigation, health, sports, and law and order, reflecting the government’s focus on measurable delivery across governance.
Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann outlined a wide-ranging overhaul of school and higher education, highlighting structural reforms, record investments, and measurable outcomes achieved over the past four years. “Countries that prioritised education have progressed in every field.
Highlighting financial commitment, he said, “A budget of ₹19, 279 crore has been allocated for the financial year 2026–27, which is 7% higher than last year. We are launching the second phase of the Education Revolution with ₹3, 500 crore, with the World Bank as our partner, making it the largest education reform program.”
He further said, “Free uniforms have been provided to 30, 000 students in these schools, and all streams, including Medical and Non-Medical, are available. Coaching for exams like Armed Forces Preparatory, NEET, JEE, and CLAT is also being provided.”
Focusing on inclusivity, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Free bus services have been started for girls in Schools of Eminence and government schools so that no girl is deprived of education. Around 15, 500 students are benefiting.”
On mentorship and cultural education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “The School Mentorship Program has been introduced for the first time, where IAS, IPS, and senior officers guide students. To commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, a 15-day program was organised to educate students about his life and sacrifice.”
Turning to higher education reforms, he stated, “Punjab has introduced the country’s first Digital Open University Policy-2026. A world-class university will be established at Sri Anandpur Sahib in the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, has implemented the Punjabi-First Policy to improve access for rural students, and an online admission portal has been launched for government degree colleges to ensure transparency. Ten new degree colleges are planned, and construction of a college at Bikraur in Ajnala is underway.”
Reinforcing linguistic and cultural initiatives, he added, “Under the Punjab Language Act, Punjabi has been made 100% mandatory for official work. Digitisation of Punjabi literature is underway, with 18, 550 books digitised so far. Additionally, 592 rare manuscripts have been preserved and digitised, and over 100 books are now available online.”
He further said, “The ‘Shabdmala E-Dictionary’ has been launched as an Android app with multiple Punjabi lexicons. Portraits of 60 eminent Punjabi literary personalities have been displayed at Punjab Bhawan in New Delhi, and awards have been distributed for the best books in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu.”
Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and others were also present on the occasion.