Chandigarh, May 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In a major push to Punjab’s rapidly expanding ‘Sikhya Kranti’, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday flagged off the largest-ever batch of 72 government school teachers for advanced training in Finland, asserting that the Punjab Government’s investment in teacher training, modern classrooms and academic reforms has transformed Punjab into the country’s leading state in education.
Drawing a sharp contrast with the decades-long neglect of public education by previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab’s government schools are now outperforming private schools in board examination results, while lakhs of parents are voluntarily participating in Parent-Teacher Meetings started for the first time by the present government.
He maintained that exposure to world-class education systems is helping create revolutionary changes inside classrooms and strengthening the Punjab Government’s mission to make government schools the first choice of every parent.
Addressing the teachers before their departure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A total of 72 government school teachers have been selected for advanced pedagogical training at the globally acclaimed University of Turku in Finland.
These teachers will undergo intensive exposure to modern teaching methodologies, innovative classroom practices, student-centric learning models and globally benchmarked education systems till May 29.”
The Chief Minister stated, “This initiative marks another major milestone in Punjab’s education reform programme, which has emerged as one of the most aggressively pursued governance transformations in the country.”
Describing teachers as the “true nation builders” entrusted with shaping Punjab’s future generations, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government is not merely investing in infrastructure but fundamentally rebuilding the educational ecosystem from the ground up. Punjab’s education reforms are no longer confined to policy announcements but are now producing measurable and nationally recognised outcomes.”
Citing the latest educational indicators released by NITI Aayog, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab has outperformed several traditionally strong educational states, including Kerala, Maharashtra and Haryana, across multiple parameters related to school education.”
He added, “Punjab has registered exceptional performance in Mathematics, Science and Language proficiency while simultaneously emerging as a frontrunner in smart school infrastructure, digital learning facilities and classroom management standards. The results clearly demonstrate that government schools in Punjab are undergoing a historic transformation after decades of neglect.”
Highlighting the significance of the Finland training programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “This initiative is part of a broader strategy to equip Punjab’s teachers with international exposure and future-ready educational practices. It is not merely a ceremonial foreign visit but a structured learning experience aimed at bringing practical innovation directly into Punjab’s classrooms.”
He further stated, “The teachers will closely study Finland’s globally celebrated education system, which is known for its emphasis on conceptual learning, critical thinking, emotional well-being of students and minimal rote memorisation.
The training will also focus on collaborative teaching techniques, classroom engagement models, assessment reforms and integration of technology in education.”
Referring to the impact of earlier international training batches, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “The positive outcomes are already visible across government schools in Punjab. Trained teachers have introduced more interactive learning environments, improved classroom discipline and adopted student-friendly approaches that have significantly enhanced academic performance.”
Highlighting the scale of infrastructure improvement undertaken by the Punjab Government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Computers are now available in nearly 99 percent of government schools, while electricity connectivity has reached almost 99.9 percent institutions across Punjab. These developments have laid the foundation for a technologically empowered and inclusive education system.”
Crediting teachers for becoming active partners in Punjab’s education revolution, he said, “Despite years of systemic challenges, Punjab’s teachers have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and adaptability in embracing reforms and modern teaching techniques.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also lauded Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and said, “Harjot Singh Bains has personally spearheaded reforms at the grassroots level. His continuous visits to schools and direct monitoring of academic standards and infrastructure projects have ensured accountability and accelerated implementation.”
The Chief Minister further said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government has consciously attempted to free teachers from excessive administrative burdens so they can focus exclusively on academics and student development. The appointment of campus managers and support staff in schools has played a crucial role in reducing non-teaching responsibilities for educators.”
Referring to Punjab’s recent Class 12 board examination results, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These results stand as one of the strongest indicators of the changing educational landscape in Punjab. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that students from government schools are now competing with and in many cases outperforming their peers from elite private institutions.”
Highlighting a remarkable achievement by government school students, he said, “Three girl students secured a perfect score of 500 out of 500 marks in the Class 12 examinations. These students are not confined merely to academics but are also accomplished sportspersons excelling in disciplines such as fencing, handball and basketball.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This proves that our government school students are not just academically strong but are becoming confident and multidimensional personalities capable of excelling in every field. Punjab’s model is beginning to challenge long-standing perceptions surrounding government schools in India.”
He added, “For decades, public education in many states struggled with declining enrolment, weak infrastructure and lack of parental confidence. Punjab’s aggressive reforms appear to be reversing that trend.”
Highlighting growing public confidence in government schools, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “One of the most striking indicators of this changing public perception is the unprecedented participation of parents in Parent-Teacher Meetings across government schools. Nearly 24 lakh parents attended PTMs to discuss their children’s academic performance, career aspirations and overall development.”
Calling this a sign of renewed trust in public education, he added, “Active collaboration between parents and teachers is creating a healthier educational atmosphere and ensuring greater accountability at every level.”
Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to continuous educational innovation and capacity building, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced, “Teachers will continue to be sent for specialised training programmes at globally reputed institutions and centres of excellence, including institutions in Singapore and Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.”
He said, “These initiatives are part of a larger governance philosophy aimed at positioning education as the cornerstone of Punjab’s social and economic progress. By investing simultaneously in teachers, students and infrastructure, the Punjab Government is determined to create a sustainable public education model capable of competing with the best systems globally.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the Punjab School Education Board, teachers, officials, students and parents for the remarkable achievements recorded in recent years.
Concluding the event, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab’s government schools are steadily emerging as the first choice for parents and students alike. As the 72 teachers embark on their journey to Finland, the symbolism is unmistakable. Punjab is no longer looking inward for educational reform alone but is confidently engaging with the world’s best systems to build a future-ready generation.
The message from the Punjab Government is loud and clear that Punjab’s classrooms are not merely changing but they are being reinvented to compete on a global stage.
Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Sikhya Kranti continues to transform government schools, empower teachers & create new opportunities for children from ordinary families.
Finland Training Programme for Primary Teachers
18 May – 29 May 2026
• Under the visionary leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government’s School Education Department has been consistently investing in world-class teacher training to strengthen Punjab’s education system. Since 2024, the government has sent a total of 216 primary cadre teachers in three batches to Turku, Finland for advanced training.
• Continuing this historic education reform movement, the fourth batch comprising 72 primary cadre teachers, including Head Teachers (HTs), Centre Head Teachers (CHTs) and Block Primary Education Officers (BPEOs), is being sent to Turku University, Finland for training from 18 May to 29 May 2026.
• Reflecting the Punjab Government’s transparent and merit-based approach, applications for the programme were invited through an online process, and after a rigorous three-stage verification process, 72 teachers were selected. The selected batch includes 43 ETT teachers, 16 HTs, 12 CHTs and 1 BPEO.
• During the two-week programme, the teachers will undertake academic visits to the Teacher Training Centres in Turku and Rauma, where they will gain exposure to globally recognised teaching methods and modern education practices. They will also receive specialised training in Leadership Building and Mentorship Skills to further strengthen Punjab’s government school ecosystem.
• As part of the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s long-term vision for educational transformation, the teachers will work on innovative projects that they will implement in their respective schools after returning to Punjab, helping improve learning outcomes, innovation and the overall quality of Punjab’s school education system.
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