IEP Chandigarh, July 22
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said that the state is on the threshold of ushering a new revolution by imparting quality education to the students of the government schools. Interacting with the media on the sidelines of flagging off third and fourth batch of 72 Principals to Singapore Principals Training academy, the Chief Minister said that as per the guarantee given by them to ensure quality education the batches of these Principals are being sent to Singapore. He said that out of these 72 Principals, 92-93% are visiting abroad for the first time adding that their visit will prove to be milestone in reforming the education sector. Bhagwant Mann said that the motive is to ensure that students of the state get world class education in Punjab thereby enabling them to compete with their convent educated peers. The Chief Minister said that revolutionary changes are being witnessed in the education sector in the state where Principals and teachers are being sent for training abroad, students are witnessing spectacular events like Chandrayaan III at ISRO and schools of eminence have emerged as a hub of educational and extracurricular activities to ensure holistic development of children. He said that these endeavors are solely aimed at reversing the trend of brain drain in the state and channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction. Bhagwant Mann said that the day is not far when the students from state will excel in every field and bring laurels for the state. The Chief Minister said that best coaches are being provided to youth in sports field and teachers in education sector. He said that the motive is to ensure that the comprehensive development of the youth is ensured in every field so that they can scale new heights in these fields. Bhagwant Mann said that the youth of state has a huge potential and they can excel in any field if they are given right direction. The Chief Minister envisioned that during the training these principals will be equipped with modren teaching practices prevalent abroad. He said that after their return these Principals will share the practices with students and their colleagues thereby ensuring that students get acquainted to the pattern of study on foreign shores. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that this will enable the students of the state to compete with their peers educated abroad. The Chief Minister said that this is a path breaking initiative which will rejuvenate the entire education system of state for well being of students. He said that it is a proud moment for him as these Principals will act as agent of change in the education sector in the coming times. Bhagwant Mann expressed hope that this will bring the much needed qualitative change in the education system of the state by benefitting the students. The Chief Minister said that the first batch of teachers had gone to Singapore for training in February whereas the second batch had visited Singapore in March. He said that after their five days training at Singapore the third and fourth batch of Principals will return to country on July 29. Bhagwant Mann said that online applications were sought from these Principals for training and their selection has been made completely on merit. The Chief Minister also said that the state government is opening eight hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of the state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and serve the country. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains and others.
