How the Aam Aadmi Party is Transforming Punjab's Schools: A New Revolution in Education

Education Reforms in Punjab under AAP: Implementing the Delhi Model and Beyond

How the Aam Aadmi Party is Transforming Punjab's Schools: A New Revolution in Education

When the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) entered politics, it brought a refreshing new idea to India: education first. In Delhi, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, AAP completely changed the face of government schools. Broken classrooms became modern smart classes, parents were engaged like never before, teachers were trained abroad, and most importantly – children from even the poorest families started dreaming big.

Now, the same revolution is sweeping Punjab.

After forming the government in 2022, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains made it clear: Punjab’s children deserve the best. They promised not just small improvements but a complete transformation of education, just like Delhi. And despite facing many challenges, they are delivering on that promise.

Let’s see how AAP is changing Punjab’s education system – with full proof and clear results.

 Delhi’s Success Story: The Foundation of Punjab’s New Beginning

Before talking about Punjab, it’s important to understand what AAP achieved in Delhi.

- Government schools became world-class: Delhi government schools started competing with private schools. New classrooms, smart boards, clean toilets, science labs, and libraries changed everything.

- Massive teacher training: Thousands of teachers were sent to places like Singapore, Cambridge, and IIM Ahmedabad for world-class training.

- Parent engagement: Regular mega PTMs (Parent-Teacher Meetings) were held to build trust between schools and families.

- Budget priority: Delhi started spending about 25% of its total budget on education — the highest in India.

- Student achievements: Government school students began clearing JEE, NEET, UPSC and international competitions.

Delhi's success gave AAP a model to replicate.

Punjab: A New Chapter Begins

 1. Historic Increase in Education Budget

Earlier, Punjab used to spend only about 5% of its budget on education. Under AAP, this has jumped to 11–18%!  

For example, in 2025, the government allocated ₹18,047 crore for education.

This shows that AAP believes investment in schools is an investment in Punjab’s future.

 2. Massive Infrastructure Overhaul – “Sikhya Kranti”

In April 2025, Punjab launched the Punjab Sikhya Kranti campaign. The goal is simple but ambitious:  

- Repair and renovate nearly 25,000 projects in over 12,000 government schools.

- Work includes building clean toilets, fixing classrooms, painting walls, and providing drinking water.

- Total investment: a whopping ₹2,000 crore!

Each project is being proudly inaugurated with plaques, showing that schools are now seen as "temples of learning," not neglected buildings.

Proof of this change: Schools are getting fresh walls, working fans, clean toilets, new furniture — essentials that children deserve but were missing for decades.

 3. Special Focus Schools: Eminence, Brilliance, and Happiness

Punjab is creating special categories of schools to match the dreams of every child:

- Schools of Eminence:  

  - 118 government schools selected for complete transformation.

  - Admission through entrance tests.

  - Coaching for IIT-JEE, NEET, CLAT inside government schools!

  - Modern smart classes, digital libraries, and interactive learning spaces.

  - Already, 14 Schools of Eminence are inaugurated, and work is rapidly going on for others.

- Schools of Brilliance:  

  - 100 rural schools upgraded for classes 6 to 12.

  - Focus on talented students in rural areas.

- Schools of Happiness:  

  - 100 primary schools (nursery to Class 5) upgraded.

  - Special focus on playful, stress-free early education.

This tiered approach ensures that from 3-year-olds to 18-year olds, every stage of education gets attention.

4. Teacher Training – From Punjab to Finland

Teachers are the backbone of any school. AAP knows this very well.

- Punjab signed an agreement with University of Turku, Finland, to train teachers in international best practices.

- Teachers are also sent to Singapore, IIM Ahmedabad, and other world-class institutions.

- Over 54,000 new teaching and support staff jobs have been created.

A Punjab teacher said, "For the first time, the government is treating us like professionals, not clerks."

 5. "Aarambh" – A New Beginning for Young Learners

On Children’s Day 2024, Punjab launched "Aarambh", a beautiful digital initiative for pre-primary children (ages 3–6).

- Daily learning activities are shared with parents via WhatsApp.

- 3.8 lakh children are getting educational support not only in school but also at home.

- Parents are now partners in their children's learning journey.

This is the first time such a massive parent-teacher digital bridge has been built in Punjab.

 6. School Mentorship Program

Another innovation: IAS and IPS officers have “adopted” rural schools.

- Officers will mentor students for 5 years.

- They will help students dream bigger, guide them for careers, and support teachers.

- Within days of launching, over 100 top officers volunteered!

This shows how seriously the entire Punjab administration is now taking school education.

7. Vocational Training – "School to Work"

Recognizing that not all students want only academics, Punjab started a vocational training program called School to Work.

- ₹10 crore invested.

- Hi-tech vocational labs are being set up in 40 schools in the first phase.

Soon, students will graduate with practical skills, ready to start jobs or businesses.

8. Results and Proof of Change

Despite the short time, results are already visible:

- Pass rates: Punjab’s Class 10 pass percentage remains very high (~97% in 2023 and 2024).

- Enrollment: More parents are now sending their children to government schools.

- Parent participation: Lakhs of parents attend PTMs regularly.

- Student morale: Children are proud to wear their government school uniforms.

As Bhagwant Mann said, “Today, choosing a government school is a choice of pride, not helplessness.”

Overcoming Challenges

Change is never easy. Critics have tried to downplay these efforts. Some accused the government of only doing cosmetic repairs. Some politicians called it "show-off".

But the AAP government kept its focus clear: "Results will speak louder than critics.

Even in the face of political noise, bureaucratic hurdles, and financial pressures, Punjab’s government is showing that education can be revolutionized if there is strong political will.

 Why Education First?

Look at China.  

Today, China is almost a developed country.  

How did it happen? Because decades ago, China invested heavily in education — modernizing schools, training teachers, and making quality education accessible to every child.

AAP understands this lesson deeply.

If India wants to be a developed nation, if Punjab wants to lead India, then the real revolution must begin in classrooms.

No amount of industries, highways, or airports can substitute the power of a good school.

 Conclusion: A Bright Future

Punjab’s education story is just beginning under AAP.  

The Delhi model proved that government schools can become world-class.  

Now, Punjab is writing its own success story, with determination, innovation, and love for its children.

The road is long. There will be hurdles.  

But with education as the priority, Punjab is marching confidently toward a better, brighter, and more developed future.

The real revolution is not in slogans — it's happening in classrooms across Punjab.  

And this is just the beginning.

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