CHANDIGARH, Oct 27 — Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said his government’s education reforms are designed to transform Punjab’s youth from job seekers into job creators, marking what he called “a new era of empowerment and opportunity” in the state.
“The time has come for Punjab’s youth to become job givers, not job seekers,” Mann said, asserting that the state’s education model will help realize the dream of a ‘Rangla Punjab’—a vibrant, self-reliant, and progressive Punjab.
Under the Mann government, education policy rests on the principle of equality of opportunity. Officials said no student will be denied education due to financial constraints. The government has invested ₹231.74 crore to establish Schools of Eminence, where students receive free uniforms and bus services, with special attention to girl students.
During an interaction with students at the Morinda School of Eminence, the chief minister described the institutions as “modern temples of learning” that are restoring parents’ confidence in public education.
Recognizing that traditional schooling is no longer sufficient, the government has introduced specialized coaching for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, CLAT, NIFT, and defence services. “We are ensuring that our youth are equipped to compete globally,” Mann said. “These schools are preparing them not just for exams but for life.”
The results have been striking. According to official data, 265 students from government schools cleared JEE Mains, 74 qualified JEE Advanced, and 848 passed NEET this year. Mann said these achievements reflect what Punjab’s youth can accomplish when given “guidance, infrastructure, and opportunity.”
The government is also creating employment pathways by nurturing entrepreneurship. “We are not merely giving jobs — we are creating job creators,” Mann said. “The boundless energy of Punjab’s youth must fuel innovation and economic growth.”
To strengthen leadership and confidence, the School Mentorship Program connects senior state officials with students in government schools. Mentors offer career guidance, motivation, and real-world insights. “This is about shaping future-ready leaders who think beyond textbooks,” said an Education Department official.
Calling education “the greatest form of empowerment,” Mann said the state’s education transformation is a social revolution. “This reform frees our youth from dependency and prepares them to stand tall — as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders,” he said.
Officials said these changes mark a turning point in Punjab’s development journey — one where education becomes both the foundation and the force of a stronger, self-reliant Punjab.
