PUNJAB SAVED 10,800 MEGA WATT (MW) OF POWER IN 52,000 GOVERNMENT OFFICES DURING LAST 54 DAYS

*Chief Minister’s Office, Punjab*

*LED BY CM PUNJAB SCRIPTS NEW SUCCESS STORY*

*BECOMES FIRST STATE IN COUNTRY TO ORGANIZE FREE TOUR TO STUDENTS OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS FOR LIVE LAUNCHING OF CHANDRAYAAN III FROM ISRO*

*ENTHRALLED STUDENTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH CM, MORE SUCH TOURS IN PIPELINE*

*ISRO EVINCES KEEN INTEREST TO SET UP SPACE MUSEUM IN PUNJAB*

*BATCHES OF PRINCIPALS TO VISIT SINGAPORE ON JULY 23 FOR UPDATING THEIR EXPERTISE*

*Chandigarh, July 16-*

Scripting a new success story, Punjab led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has became the first state in the country to organize free tour for the students of the government schools for watching the live launching of the Chandrayaan III from Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) centre, Sriharikota.

Congratulating the students who returned with enthralling experience during their tour to the hub of Indian Space Science program, the Chief Minister said that the move was aimed at ensuring holistic development of the students by widening their perspective. He said that a batch of 30 students including 15 boys and 15 girls selected from the Schools of Eminence were sent to this trip. Bhagwant Mann said that most of these students had travelled in the Airplane for the first time in life adding that the Punjab government had borne the entire expenditure of travelling, boarding and lodging of these students.

The Chief Minister said that these students and their teachers stayed in the same hotel where the Education Minister Harjot Bains, who was accompanying them, had stayed. He said that ISRO will be conducting more space and missile programs on around 13 various projects in coming days in which more students from the state will be sent for up-scaling their knowledge on science and technology. Bhagwant Mann said that as practical plays more important role than theory to enhance the knowledge of students in any field, so these tours will act as a catalyst in grooming the students for future challenges.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that ISRO has evinced keen interest in setting up Space Museum in the state. He said that the state government will provide fulsome support and cooperation to ISRO for setting up this project in Punjab. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that once set up this museum will further propel science culture in the state.

The Chief Minister said that state government is laying major thrust of complete overhaul of the Education system in Punjab. He said that on July 23 the state government will send two groups of school Principals to Singapore for updating their expertise. Bhagwant Mann said that earlier also some teachers were sent to Singapore for same training adding that the motive is to ensure that teachers are able to learn about the advanced practices prevailing across the globe in education sector.

The Chief Minister further said that breaking more than 70 years old jinx in the state, his government is making concerted efforts to transform education sector in the state. He said that due focus is being laid on infrastructure and human resource development to give fillip to the education in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that the day is not far when Punjab will emerge as a centre of quality education across the country.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government will soon launch a bus service for the girl students studying in the government schools. He said that the aim of this scheme is to facilitate the girl students for completing their studies in the government schools. Bhagwant Mann said that this is a step forward towards ensuring that safety and security of girls studying in these schools is ensured so that they can bring laurels for the state in education sector.

The Chief Minister further said that the decision to change time in government offices from 7:30 am to 2 pm during peak summer season has produced desired results as Punjab has saved 10,800 Mega Watt (MW) of power in 52,000 government offices during last 54 days. He said that this decision enabled the common man to do his work early morning without taking leave from his work besides facilitating the employees to attend the social functions after the office hours. Similarly, Bhagwant Mann said that the employees were also able to spend more quality time with their family.

Meanwhile, the students who had returned from the tour of Sriharikota expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for opening new avenue of scientific knowledge and temperament for them. They said that they acquired vast experience about the planets, missile and other gadgets during their trip. They also lauded the state government for making unprecedented arrangements for their comfortable stay and journey during the tour.