As a significant step in the Punjab Sikhya Kranti, Punjab Finance, Taxation, Excise, and Planning Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday inaugurated development projects totaling approximately Rs. 1 crore 9 lakh in three government schools within the Vidhan Sabha constituency of Dirba.
The inauguration ceremony marked the commencement of infrastructure enhancements amounting to Rs. 31 lakh at Government High School Rogla, Rs. 28.50 lakh at Government Senior Secondary School Lad Banjara Kalan, and Rs. 50 lakh at Government Senior Secondary School Kauhrian.
Speaking at the events, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Punjab Government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to modernizing education and elevating the standards of government schools.
He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government since its formation in 2022 undertaken a number of transformative efforts to uplift the level of education in the state, and the state is advancing towards becoming frontrunner in education through these transformative initiatives.Lashing at the SAD-BJP and Congress led previous state governments for neglecting the education sector, Finance Minister said that it leads to the proliferation of private schools and making quality education unaffordable for many.
“In contrast, the current government has prioritized grassroots reforms resulting in significant improvements in school infrastructure and teacher training”, said Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema while adding that the teachers from state government schools have received advanced training at prestigious institutions such as IIT Ahmedabad, as well as in Singapore and Finland, to enhance their teaching methodologies.
The Finance Minister proudly shared that approximately 200 students from government schools have successfully cleared the prestigious JEE Mains examination, a testament to the constructive environment fostered by the Government. He further added that over the past three years, services of 20,000 teachers have been regularised, with their salaries increased from a modest Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 28,000, reflecting the government's commitment to improving the welfare of educators.
Finance Minister Cheema encouraged students to pursue higher education with determination and hard work, emphasizing that education is the key to achieving great heights in life. He also urged parents and teachers to nurture children's skills continuously, assuring them that consistent efforts and encouragement would lead to success.
Meanwhile, mentioning the efforts being made under ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, the Finance Minister appealed to the public to support efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and ensure a drug-free state. He also highlighted the wave of development sweeping across Punjab, with enhanced facilities being provided in villages and cities, including the Dirba constituency.