Reiterating the firm commitment of the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to revitalize education sector in the state, the Education Minister OP Soni today said that the roadmap for rejuvenation of this sector was ready and the state government would spend Rs 1000 crore for this noble cause.Addressing the gathering during state level function to commemorate Teacher’s day function here today at the IVY World School, the Minister said that the state government was firmly committed for restoring pristine glory of education sector in the state. He said that the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was laying special thrust on two core sectors of Health and Education adding that strenuous efforts were being made to ensure that Punjab emerges as front runner state in the country in these two sectors. Mr. Soni said that no stone would be left unturned for accomplishing this noble mission.The Minister further said that it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction for all of us that more than 25 lakh students were getting education in 13,000 Government schools across the state. He said that the state government was already spending Rs 86 crore for uniform, Rs 64 crore on smart classes, Rs 30 crore on solar panels, Rs 5 crore for library books, Rs 18 crore for sports, Rs 10 crore for sanitary pads, RO system at cost of Rs 9 crore, RS 2 crore for green boards, Rs 120 crore for classrooms, Rs 310 crore for mid day meal and others. Mr. Soni said that there was no dearth of funds for education sector in the state and major thrust would be laid on holistic development of this sector.Congratulating the teachers on this august occasion, the Minister said that it was a red letter day when this function was being organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Indian President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He called upon the teachers to take a solemn pledge on this august occasion to discharge their duty with utmost dedication and sincerity.
OP Soni said that teachers must take inspiration from the great former President of India to emerge as model teachers for transforming the destiny of students of government schools.The Minister also exhorted the teachers to discharge their duties with dedication, sincerity and commitment to impart quality and value-based education to students for ensuring their bright future. Describing teachers as nation builders, he called upon the teaching fraternity to transform the destiny of present and future generations by imbibing the qualities of hard work, discipline and leadership among students to enable them to become ideal citizens of the society. Mr Soni said that the country and society needs the marvelous services of teachers for making our country a leading one in all spheres. He also announced that from next year special award would be bestowed upon the Principal of the school which delivers 100% result during exams.Paying floral tributes to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the Minister recalled the outstanding services rendered by him in the field of education. He said that the former President left an indelible imprint in the field of education through his hard work and visionary approach. Mr. Soni said that Teacher’s day was observed as a befitting tribute to this eminent educationist and former President of India, on his birth anniversary, and teachers should emulate him as a role model.Earlier, Secretary Education Mr. Krishan Kumar, Director General School Education Mr. Prashant Kumar Goyal and DPI Schools Mr. Sukhjit Pal Singh also addressed the gathering.On the occasion, the Minister accompanied by Secretary Education also bestowed awards to the teachers for outstanding services. The proceedings of the stage were conducted by Ms. Rapinder Grewal. On the occasion Lok Sabha MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh, MLA Mr. Rajinder Beri, Mayor of Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Jalandhar Mr. Jagdish Raj Raja, President of District Congress Committee Mr. Daljeet Singh Ahluwalia, District Education Officers Mr. Satnam Singh and Mr. Ram Pal Saini, Deputy District Education Officers Ms. Gurpreet Kaur, Mr. Anil Awasthi and Mr. Harinder Pal Singh, Chairman of IVY World Mr. KK Vassal besides others were also present.