In a landmark celebration of academic excellence, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, along with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Affairs In-charge Sh. Manish Sisodia, today felicitated over 1,050 meritorious students who secured 85% and above in their Class 12th examinations. The ceremony was held under the flagship 'Bright Minds Punjab 2026' programme at Sri Muktsar Sahib, S. Bains underscored that education is the ultimate panacea for all societal challenges and urged parents to prioritise their children's learning to enable them to scale professional heights and bring glory to the state and nation.
While addressing the gathering, S. Harjot Singh Bains shared that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has approved an ordinance to amend the Punjab Regulation of Fees of Unaided Educational Institutions Act, limiting the annual increase in fees and funds to a maximum of 5 per percent. The ordinance has been sent to Punjab Governor for approval.
The government also decided to act against schools that made "unreasonable" fee hikes over the past three years. The excess amount collected would be refunded to parents. Reaffirming the Punjab government's unwavering commitment to quality education, the Education Minister said that Punjab outranked Kerala in school learning and topped India’s education index, with NITI Aayog’s 2026 report and the Centre’s PGI 2.0 ranking state schools first nationwide.
In a landmark move to enhance transparency, PSEB examination answer sheets will now be made available online, ensuring unrestricted access that will bolster trust and fairness in the examination system, he added. Highlighting the government's holistic approach to youth welfare, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the Punjab government has provided over 68,000 government jobs to youth purely on merit, without a single recommendation.
He also emphasised the critical need to equip Punjab's youth with futuristic skills, particularly in the rapidly evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI). “AI is reshaping traditional roles and creating new employment avenues. It is imperative that our students become active participants in this technological revolution," he stated.
Sh. Manish Sisodia engaged in an open, constructive dialogue with the students and teachers presented in the event . He lauded the initiative and stressed that access to quality education is a fundamental right for every child in every household.
A nation's progress is intrinsically tied to the robustness of its education system. While several states in India still grapple with severe learning deficits, Punjab is setting a benchmark.
The atmosphere at the event was electric as students actively participated by posing questions and offering suggestions for systemic improvements. The gathering witnessed an unprecedented exchange of ideas between policymakers and young learners.
The event was attended by MLA Sri Muktsar Sahib Mr. Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar, Director School Education (Secondary) Mr. SS Ball and other officials of school education department.