Ludhiana, March 3- Continuing their spree to ensure access of the students to quality education, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday dedicated 13 new Schools of Eminence to the people of the state thereby further achieving a milestone in education revolution in the state.

The Chief Minister, speaking to the media, emphasised the government’s commitment to building schools, comparing it to educational progress in Delhi.  Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasised the historic significance of this moment, envisioning Punjab’s rise as a front runner among states. He stressed the crucial aspect of ensuring equitable access to quality education, particularly for marginalised communities. With confidence, he predicted that students would excel, thus bringing honour to Punjab.

Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that this effort marks the beginning of transforming the destiny of students, emphasising a paradigm shift in the education sector. He noted that students from private schools are now enrolling in government schools.

The Chief Minister affirmed that these schools serve as a curtain raiser, with plans underway to open more such schools for the betterment of economically disadvantaged students.

. He envisioned that these schools will be the modern day temples which will bring a qualitative change in the lives of the students. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there may be hardly any school in the private sector which will be having facilities of playing grounds, lawn tennis, swimming pool, laboratories and others as available here.

The Chief Minister noted that this model, originating in Delhi, aims to assist students from weaker and underprivileged backgrounds. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed gratitude to parents who transferred their children from private schools to these institutions. He stressed their focus on the “politics of work” over divisive rhetoric, aiming to serve the state and its people. Mann highlighted efforts to provide NEET and JEE training to empower students for future success.

Chief Minister highlighted the recent inauguration

Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the recent inauguration of 165 new Aam Aadmi Clinics and today’s school dedications. He emphasized the recovery of misappropriated funds, now effectively utilized for the common good. Mann assured that the state’s pro-people and development-oriented policies would continue, reaffirming the commitment to restoring Ludhiana’s industrial prominence.

CM Credits Arvind Kejriwal for People-Centric Politics

The Chief Minister credited Arvind Kejriwal for centering common people in Indian politics, compelling parties to adapt agendas to meet people’s needs. He noted a shift from traditional manifestos to emphasizing welfare guarantees, reflecting evolving political priorities.  Moreover, this shift reflects a growing recognition of the need for tangible assurances and concrete measures to address societal needs.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Delhi Chief Minister had brought a paradigm shift in politics by introducing value based politics by rejecting divisive politics.

Delhi’s Chief Minister expressed his joy at being present among the community to inaugurate the school, noting its remarkable quality for a government institution. Additionally, he highlighted that such standards are usually associated with private schools, which often demand high fees. Kejriwal emphasized the importance of this school in empowering students from marginalized backgrounds to succeed and establish themselves in society.

Delhi’s Chief Minister highlighted the transformative impact of these schools on students’ confidence and aspirations, noting their newfound ability to compete with peers from private education backgrounds. He emphasized that last year, out of 100,000 applicants, 8200 students secured enrollment in Schools of Eminence.

Comparing current efforts with past administrations

Comparing current efforts with past administrations, he lauded Bhagwant Singh Mann’s proactive engagement with educational and healthcare institutions. He emphasised  the importance of education for success and prosperity, expressing optimism that these schools would uplift disadvantaged communities. He stressed the need to reinforce the Punjab Chief Minister’s efforts in safeguarding the state against regressive central government policies.

The Delhi Chief Minister assailed the Union government for stalling funds worth around Rs 8000 crore of the state, emphasising that these funds could have been used for the state’s development. Furthermore, he emphasized that over the past two years, unprecedented efforts have been made to drive the state’s development forward. Moreover, he underscored the significance of reinforcing Bhagwant Singh Mann’s initiatives by securing all 13 Lok Sabha seats in favor of the Aam Aadmi Party. Arvind Kejriwal stated that such an outcome will provide new vigor to the Punjab Chief Minister to fight against the discriminatory policies of the Union government.

Significantly, both Chief Ministers jointly dedicated 13 schools across various districts in Punjab.  These districts include Ludhiana, Adampur (Jalandhar), Mall Mandi, Mall Road, and Jandiala Guru in Amritsar, Parasram Nagar and Ram Nagar in Bathinda, Amloh in Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalalabad West and Arniwala Sheikh Suban in Fazilka, Phagwara in Kapurthala, Phase 11 in SAS Nagar (Mohali), and Khadoor Sahib in Tarn Taran. Moreover, they toured the newly constructed school building in Indrapuri, engaging in comprehensive discussions with students and parents alike.