Chandigarh, April 4: In a pioneering move to empower government school students, Punjab has taken a lead across the country. The state introduced a one-of-its-kind “School Mentorship Program.”Harjot Singh Bains, Punjab’s School Education Minister, announced that top bureaucrats will inspire and guide young minds to aim high in life.

“Punjab Govt Invites Civil Servants to Mentor Rural Schools”

Addressing the media here at Punjab Bhawan today, Harjot Singh Bains said that under this ambitious program, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is leading the Punjab Government. They have invited IAS, IPS, IFS and other civil service officers to mentor rural government schools. The goal is to revitalise public education. They aim to nurture young minds for excelling in life. The authorities issued a notification today to implement the program. “Behind every successful child is someone who once believed in them. Through this program, our most accomplished officers will become mentors to our most underserved schools. It is a chance to go beyond administrative duties, and truly transform lives,” said S. Harjot Singh Bains.

“Education Minister Urges Top Bureaucrats to Mentor Government Schools”

Highlighting the program, the Education Minister said that the top bureaucrats can voluntarily adopt one government school for mentorship. Mentorship is not just an administrative role but a deeply humane and inspiring relationship. He said that officers will engage with students, teachers, and principals. Their goal is to motivate students to dream big and pursue ambitious goals. They will also support teachers in adopting innovative pedagogy. Officers will leverage their experience and networks to bring improvements in school infrastructure, resources, and exposure opportunities.

Bains: Officers to Mentor Schools for 5 Years, Regardless of Transfers

Harjot Singh Bains said he will encourage officers to mentor schools in remote, rural, or challenging areas.Once assigned, they would nurture the mentorship for at least five years. This ensures long-term engagement, bonding, and impact. The Officers would continue to mentor their schools irrespective of their transfers and postings, he added. “Civil service officers bring with them a wealth of experience, exposure to governance, and a demonstrated track record of excellence,” he said, while adding that their journeys can inspire students to aim for institutions such as IITs, AIIMS, NDA, and the UPSC, while their networks can help schools access resources, partnerships, and new learning opportunities. Urging the bureaucrats to adopt government schools, Harjot Singh Bains, “A school in Mansa, a village in Fazilka, or a border town in  Tarn Taran—every child there has dreams, but often lacks direction. Your mentorship can provide that direction. Through a single session, a scholarship reference, or a university visit, you could transform someone’s future.” He said that mentor officers will be frequently visiting and collaborating with their schools. They will facilitate students’ career counselling and exposure visits. Teachers will receive training on innovative pedagogies. There will be an increase in parental participation in school. They will pilot innovative ideas to improve the learning environment of the schools. The entire approach will be outcome oriented, he added. Meanwhile, outstanding contributions will be acknowledged at state-level education events to honour the efforts of mentor officers. Interested officers can adopt a school by filling the Google Form (link:https://forms.gle/V4kcHjjVfsomdJz9A) by April 20, 2025, he added.