Unprecedentedly investing in teachers, schools and students to herald an era of education revolution in the state: says CM

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, October 18, 2024: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday said that the for the first time since independence his government is investing in teachers, schools and students for ushering in an era of education revolution in the state.

Addressing the gathering here while flagging off first batch of teachers for training to Finland, the Chief Minister said that today marks a significant milestone in Punjab’s education system as we gather to see off 72 of our brightest primary teachers who will embark on a journey to Finland for professional training. He said that this is not merely a journey to a new country but it is an opportunity to explore new pedagogical techniques, best practices, and innovative ways of shaping the future of education in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Education forms the backbone of any society and in Punjab, the state government been striving to continuously improve the education system, to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, gets access to high-quality learning. 

The Chief Minister said that Today’s initiative, where 72 teachers from Punjab are being sent to Finland, exemplifies the state government’s commitment to this cause. He said that Finland has been chosen because it is globally renowned for having one of the most effective education systems. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is not just about the curriculum but it’s about the methodology, the philosophy of education, and a culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and a lifelong love for learning. 

The Chief Minister said that Finnish education emphasizes equality, teacher autonomy, and student-centered learning—qualities that the state government aims to imbibe into its education system in Punjab. Striking an emotional chord with teachers, he described them as the architects of the future as they build not just the minds of students but also their characters, guiding them to become compassionate, responsible, and innovative citizens. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that this training will give them exposure to new teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and holistic approaches that put the child at the center of learning. 

The Chief Minister said that This will transform not only the classrooms but also the lives of thousands of students who will benefit from this global exposure. He said that Finland focuses on interactive and student-centered teaching so the teachers will learn how to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in students. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Finnish teachers enjoy a high degree of autonomy so the teachers will understand how to implement customized learning solutions for diverse classroom needs.

The Chief Minister also asserted that The Finnish model of education emphasizes not just academic learning but the overall emotional, social, and physical well-being of students. He envisioned that the training will enable teachers to work together with Finnish educators, share their insights, and build networks for long-term collaboration. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that when the teachers will return they will become ambassadors of change as the knowledge and skills they acquire in Finland will further cascade into the larger educational ecosystem of Punjab. 

The Chief Minister exhorted the teachers to make this training a seed that will grow into a tree of knowledge, benefiting not just individual students but entire communities. He said that the government of Punjab is committed to support them in applying the skills they learn abroad adding that the state government will create platforms for them to share their knowledge with other teachers and build a culture of continuous improvement in our schools. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon teachers to take pride in being part of this transformative initiative as they are not just traveling for training but they are carrying the dreams and aspirations of millions of children. 

The Chief Minister urged the teachers to Return with knowledge, wisdom, and a renewed passion for teaching adding that the state government will continue to invest in our teachers, our schools, and our students. He said that Education is the most powerful tool that they have for the progress of our state and our country. Extending good wishes to all the teachers, Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that it is a successful and enriching experience in Finland for them adding that it May mark the beginning of a new chapter in Punjab’s education story.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He said that hitherto sending his child to government school was the compulsion of the common man but now it will be his wish to do so as the education system is being revamped. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Schools of Eminence have been set up across the state to impart quality education to the students adding that in similar manner the government health system is also being upgraded.

The Chief Minister said that as water, air and land had no votes so these leaders ignored them and no heed was paid towards this major issues concerning the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to this massive pollution and degradation of these natural resources took place thereby causing an irreparable loss to the society. However, he said that after the formation of the AAP government in the state steps have been taken to save the environment, rejuvenate canal system and take other exemplary steps for the well being of society. 

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has taken historic initiative of launching Sadak Surakhiya Force (SSF) and in eight months of its existence it has helped in reducing the number of deaths caused due to road accidents by more than 45%. He said that from February to September 2023, 1454 persons were killed on the roads of the state in accidents, whereas this year after launch of this force 794 persons have lost their lives in road casualties from February 2024 to September 2024. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 15309 injured were provided first aid treatment during this period adding that the response time of SSF in case of any casualty is merely 6-8 minutes and this force has emerged as ‘lifesaver’ for the people.

Later on interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said that the AAP has government in two states where major thrust is being laid on education. However, he said that contrary to it BJP has government in around 18 states but they have no focus on education. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the saffron party is more concerned about polarisation of votes on sectarian lines rather than focussing on health and education sector. 

The Chief Minister said that for the first time mega PTMs are being held in the government schools to assess the progress of students in these schools. He said that this initiative has proved very fruitful in giving impetus to the education sector. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that more reforms are in pipeline for imparting quality education to the students in the government schools. 

The Chief Minister said that at the time he assumed the charge of office only 21% canal water was being used. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 84% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the farmers must be compensated so that they don’t burn the paddy and for that union government must intervene.

The Chief Minister said that the food growers of the  state who contribute immensely in national food pool must be duly compensated. He said that it is not the matter of one or two states but it is the one which haunts the entire northern region. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for it the Union must intervene adding that on its part the state government is already making strenuous efforts to check this menace. 

The Chief Minister said that lakhs of Punjabis live in Canada and they play an active role in states economy. He said that the union government must ensure friendly ties with all the countries across the globe as it is in the interest of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis are global citizen so we bat for harmony with all the countries for which union government must work. 

On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains welcomed the chief minister and other dignitaries. 

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, Secretary Education KK Yadav, Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Shruti Singh and others.